Neurologist Clarifies How to Distinguish Normal Forgetfulness from Dementia: ‘Watch If It Progresses…’
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Particularly as one ages, forgetfulness is prevalent. However, what appears to be mere memory lapses can occasionally point to something far more significant. In dementia, memory loss is a significant problem that has a big impact on daily life. Things that were previously second nature become challenging or seem perplexing. The neurodegenerative illness has a persistent nature, similar to the forgetfulness associated with dementia, and it may get worse with time.
In an interview with an Lifestyle Magazine, Dr. Elanthirayan GC, a neurology consultant at SRM Global Hospitals in Chennai, shared important insights into whether forgetfulness in old age is just a normal part of aging or an early indicator of dementia.
In further detail about the nature of dementia, Dr. Elanthirayan noted that it is much more than simply being forgetful at times. "Dementia is not a compact condition; it is a vast word for decreasing memory power and thinking capacity that is bad enough to make everyday life difficult," he stated. "Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia."
What distinguishes dementia from ordinary forgetfulness?
Even on a regular basis, common memory lapses include misplacing keys or forgetting a wallet at home. However, they may indicate something more severe if this occurs frequently and begins to impact everyday life.
Dr. Elanthirayan outlined the main distinctions between dementia and age-related forgetfulness.
"Forgetting names, things where you left them, or having trouble in remembering words while speaking for a short period of time are all normal signs of becoming older," he said. These errors are often minor and treatable. In contrast, the memory loss associated with dementia is persistent and bothersome. By asking the same questions again and again, someone might act in the same way. Not being able to find your way or failing to identify locations you are familiar with. Not being able to recall the time or location, having difficulties with daily tasks like cooking or paying bills, and experiencing shifts in mood or conduct.
Why do people forget things?
A variety of other medical disorders can also cause memory loss, not just as a sign of dementia.
"Dementia is a common cause of memory loss, but there are many other diseases, and the majority of them are curable," the neurologist said. It's important to have a medical examination to determine the cause of memory loss because a number of conditions that aren't related to dementia can be treated and cured. These include vitamin deficiencies (such as B12), thyroid issues, anxiety or depression, and medications that alter brain function, such as those that cause head injuries, sleeplessness, and alcohol and drug use.
When should you consult a physician?
If memory problems arise, seeing a doctor right away can help diagnose the cause early, allowing for prompt treatment and improved management of the illness.
"It is recommended to change one's surroundings if one is experiencing difficulty remembering things, and it is getting worse over time," advised Dr. Elanthirayan. It's time to consult a doctor if a person has frequent mood swings or confusion. Early identification is crucial for ruling out treatable illnesses and for effectively managing dementia once it is diagnosed.
