When asked about last night’s dinner, have you struggled to recollect it? Have you forgotten where you put your car keys? Or perhaps, you may have forgotten that new friend’s name. Recently, you might have experienced some of the following and may have worried that this is a major cause for concern. However, age-related memory loss is entirely normal and is very different from dementia. Here are the top causes of memory loss amongst seniors.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs are more likely to cause memory problems which is why we recommend you to always consult your trusted health professional before consuming any medication. Be aware of the side effects of whatever it is you are taking so that memory loss does not catch you off guard.
Lack of Sleep
When you do not get a good night’s rest, your ability to focus is impaired. This holds true for every individual, which is why being well-rested is important if you wish to retain your ability to recall all the little facts of the day! Sleep allows your brain to process your memories of the day and store them in your long-term memory so that it becomes easier for you to retrieve information.
Poor Nutrition
Believe it or not, your diet can affect your mind! Studies have shown that individuals who consume more saturated fats from foods performed worse on memory tests compared to individuals who did not consume such fats. So, if saturated fats are bad for memory, then what should you be eating? We would recommend swapping out the sugary drinks for fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Excessive Alcohol
Another part of your diet, other than your nutrition, can also affect your memory – alcohol. Reducing your alcohol intake can benefit your memory. High levels of alcohol affect your short-term memory and if taken excessively, can also destroy nerve cells. This can affect both your short-term and long-term memory adversely. As a senior, your body becomes more sensitive to alcohol as well which is why we would advise you to deal with alcohol with greater discretion. The medications that you may be consuming may interact with alcohol and affect your treatment as well.
However, if you feel as though your memory loss is becoming more persistent, perhaps you may be suffering from dementia. As soon as your memory loss begins impairing your daily functions, it may be the right time to seek help from a medical professional. At Rittenhouse Village At Portage, we can provide round-the-clock attention for you if you feel as though your memory loss is preventing you from carrying out your daily activities. Our attentive team is always ready to help out to make life more enjoyable for you! Furthermore, SHINE® Memory Care is our exclusive memory care program to improve the quality of your life if you are grappling with dementia. With such tailored programs, we hope to combat the negative effects of memory loss so that all our seniors can lead their best lives.
