By Michael V. Vitiello,
Ph.D.
Psychiatry & Behavioral
Sciences
As we grow older we often become concerned about changes in
our memory. While some changes in memory are normal, there are
some changes in memory that should cause concern and deserve
professional attention. Here is a simple guide to what is
normal about memory changes as we get older, and what is not.
The causes of many memory problems are described as well as
ways to keep your memory healthy.
We often experience lapses in memory that are common in
NORMAL aging and that are nothing to be concerned about. Here
are some examples:
- Forgetting names, particularly of new acquaintances
- Getting a little more confused or flustered when
performing too many tasks at once
- Taking more time and energy to learn new information ...
it "feels" more effortful
- Less information can be learned in a short period of
time
- Information may not be readily recalled at the time it
is needed
However, we may also experience lapses of memory that are
NOT typical of NORMAL aging. These can be of concern and
should be discussed with your doctor. Here are some examples
of these kinds of more serious memory-related lapses:
- Feeling confused more often than usual
- Getting lost in familiar surroundings
- Repeating bits and pieces of conversations more often
than usual
- Family members and friends notice a difference in your
memory
- Difficulty managing finances or other day-to-day tasks
that were not previously a problem
- Loss of interest in hobbies and usual activities
We may also experience problems with memory, that while not
as serious as those described above, may be a WARNING SIGN of
problems with memory that may become more serious with time.
Again, these should be discussed with your doctor. Some
examples of these "warning signs" are:
- More difficulty remembering appointments, dates, events,
conversations.
- May feel "overwhelmed" more often
- Feel that "something is not right", even though others
may fail to notice a change
- May feel a little more irritable or "short fused" than
usual
- May feel more "stressed" than usual
- May feel like your mood is not what it used to be
Many people are surprised to find out that memory is
affected by STRESS and by MOOD. In addition certain
medications can interfere with memory as can a number of
medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea. As you
might expect, poor diet or drug or alcohol abuse can also be
detrimental to memory.
How can you improve your memory? First, it is important to
address and correct when possible, or at the very least,
successfully manage some or all of the conditions mentioned
above. The health of the brain is dependent upon the health of
the body. Second, reducing stress and working to improve mood
can be beneficial for memory. Finally, you may benefit from a
discussion with your doctor about how your medications can be
adjusted to best protect your memory.
Here are some other tips about how to keep your memory
sharp:
- Exercise regularly (both physically and mentally)
- Get involved in active leisure pursuits
- Engage in active learning throughout life and pursue new
experiences
- Stay socially engaged with friends, family and community
groups
- Take steps to manage stress
- Eat a healthy balanced diet
- Get adequate sleep
- Mind your numbers: lose any extra pounds, lower your
cholesterol if it is high, keep your blood sugar and blood
pressure under control
- Get proper medical attention and treatment for any
underlying health problems
Following these simple guidelines may help ensure a healthy
memory.
Michael V. Vitiello, PhD, is a UW professor of psychiatry
and behavioral sciences, and principal investigator of the
Somatotrophics, Memory and Aging Research Trial (SMART) Study,
a research project examining ways to improve memory in older
adults. If you are an older adult who may have memory problems
and are interested in learning more about the SMART study,
please call 206-685-6607.
