Problems with memory such as walking into a room and forgetting what you were there for aren't just about aging. Memory problems can show up for a variety of different reasons and at different times in your life. Stress or a chaotic, busy life can even cause memory issues.
Many people sometimes wonder whether their memory problems are early indicators of a more serious problem, such as dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.
"Everybody's memory is different, so you have to use your own as a baseline to notice changes that are worrisome,"
University of Wisconsin geriatric psychiatrist Ken Robbins told Caring.com. "But certain signs are more strongly associated with a problem like Alzheimer's."
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Here are three signs your memory is getting worse and indicate you should talk with a medical professional:
1. Forgetting recently learned information: The Alzheimer's Association calls memory loss one of the most common signs of Alzheimer's, "forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own." However, the organization pointed out that forgetting an appointment or event but remembering it later is a "typical age-related change."
2. Forgetting common words when speaking:
According to the Mayo Clinic, losing a word used frequently in conversation, like "sofa," can be a sign of a deeper problem. Almost everyone forgets words or names occasionally, though.
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3. When your memory problems frighten you: "It's one thing to get irritated when you lose your keys. Or to search a vast parking lot for your car after a concert, growing more upset by the minute," says Caring.com. "But when you feel downright uneasy about the oddness or frequency of memory lapses — say, you can't remember where you parked the car and there it is, right in your driveway — that's emotional information to pay attention to."
"For many people with early dementia, the nature of the memory problems frighten them or cause a strong emotional reaction," says Dr. Robbins. "That fear may come from the person knowing that something's 'just not right.'"
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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