Memory Problems What can we do?
Over
the last year or so I have become aware of some of my memory problems. Two
major ways to think about is are recognition and recall. Recognition is no problem for me; but
recall is becoming more problematic.
I am currently consulting a neurologist in a local community. As always I find myself searching
through the literature. I decided
to share the ideas with visitors to my blog. The worst and scariest memory
problems is Alzheimer’s Disease
Common
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Each person with Alzheimer’s may experience
different symptoms, and symptoms may change over the course of the disease.
Some of the common ones are described below.
• Profound
difficulty in recalling names, objects, places, times, and dates
• Not
recognizing family and friends, or not recalling their names
•
Forgetting one’s own phone number or address
•
Difficulty finding your way to or from a familiar place
• Tendency
to wander from home or place where you work
•
Forgetting to eat or maintain one’s hygiene
• Day/night
disorientation with difficulty sleeping
•
Noticeable language and intellectual decline
• Poor
judgment, inability to follow simple instructions or stay focused on
a task
Progressive
sense of distrust
• Dulled
emotions or interest in activities
•
Depression
• Unusual
agitation and irritability
•
Hallucinations or delusions
Ways to
Keep Your Memory Sharp
What may
seem like a faltering memory may in fact be a decline in the rate at which we
learn and store new information. Practice these memory skills to enhance
learning and make remembering easier.
RELAX:
Tension and stress are associated with memory lapses, and managing stress
improves memory.
CONCENTRATE:
Your teachers were right: if you want to recall something later, pay attention.
FOCUS: Try
to reduce distractions and minimize interferences.
SLOW DOWN:
If you’re rushing, you may not be focused or paying full attention.
ORGANIZE:
Keep important items in a designated place that is visible and easily accessed.
WRITE IT
DOWN: Carry a notepad and calendar, and write down important things.
REPEAT IT:
Repetition improves recall; use it when meeting new people and learning new
things.
VISUALIZE
IT: Associating a visual image with something you want to remember can improve
recall.
Source: The Dana Alliance
for Brain Initiatives (Press Office)
Source: Alzheimer’s
Association
