If You Are Concerned About Memory Loss…

If your inability to remember information is interfering with your ability to manage daily life, there are some simple steps you can take to better understand the circumstances of the problem.

• Be attuned to changes in cognitive abilities – just as you might notice changes in your skin or energy level.

• Keep a log of what you’ve forgotten and when it occurred. By thinking about what else was happening at the times we’ve experienced confusion or forgetfulness, we often discover that it was at a stressful or distracting time. Memory loss can be more prevalent when our normal rhythms are disturbed.

• Don’t rush to diagnose yourself. If your memory loss and your concerns continue, talk with a physician and get an assessment.

“Memory loss or cognitive decline that negatively impacts your quality of life is not normal,” says Kathy O’Brien, the Alzheimer’s Association’s senior vice president for program and community services. “There are some conditions, however, that mimic Alzheimer’s that are very treatable,” she notes. “Too often, people endure these conditions, including depression, rather than discover that there are remedies that can be life changing.”