$Unique_ID{BRK02018}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Potential Causes of Memory Loss in the Elderly}
$Subject{memory Alzheimer's disease apraxia aphasia amnesia memory loss aging
medications medication emotional conditions emotion ulcers ulcer hypertension
cardiovascular system brain nutritional deficiencies blood flow drug reactions
drug interactions neurologic evaluation psychological evaluation age}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Brain Atrophy from Atherosclerosis*0002501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Potential Causes of Memory Loss in the Elderly


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QUESTION:  A recent visit to mother has me quite concerned.  While she still
is very alert and active, there are moments she displays a lack of memory.
Not major things, but just the little things, like misplacing a shopping list
or her glasses.  Does this mean that she is beginning to have Alzheimer's?
What do you think we should do for her now?  I need some good advice and so am
turning to you.  I hope you will help me.

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ANSWER:  Although almost everyone experiences a bit of distraction during the
routine of daily living, when it occurs in an older person, the fear of
Alzheimer's disease makes it the first possibility that is considered.  And
that is not without some basis in fact.  About 2.5 million adult Americans are
estimated to have Alzheimer's, which is a progressive, irreversible disorder
that gradually erodes the memory.  While the loss of memory is the most often
discussed, there are a number of problems associated with Alzheimer's.  In
considering the diagnosis of this disease, a physician will seek clues that
include "apraxia" (failing to perform meaningful, learned motor activity),
"aphasia" (loss of comprehension or expression of words) and "amnesia"
(partial or total inability to recall past experiences, or "memory" in
ordinary terms).  So it becomes clear that to make this difficult diagnosis, a
thorough medical, neurologic and psychological evaluation is a must.
     However, there are many conditions that may mimic Alzheimer's and as many
as 70 different conditions can be the cause for the loss of intellectual
abilities that affect as many as 3 to 4 million Americans.  Some of them are
reversible, and a good examination and evaluation should discover them.  In
older people who take a number of medications for continuing, chronic
conditions, drug reactions and interactions are of great concern.  This
includes medications prescribed for emotional conditions, ulcers,
hypertensions, and sleep, as well as over-the-counter preparations, often
added to the daily routine without the physician's knowledge.  Untreated
conditions of the cardiovascular system, reducing the blood flow to the brain,
is yet another possibility.  Frequently nutritional deficiencies slip into the
diet of older people, and that too can lead to the symptoms you have noted.
However, it is important to realize that not every momentary memory lapse is
Alzheimer's.  If the frequency seems to validate your concerns, an early
evaluation for Mother is the only way to put your anxiety into proper
perspective.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.