Aging and Memory Loss : Alzheimer's disease, Multi-infarct dementia

by National Institute on Aging

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Anna's story

Anna's mother was still going strong at 85. She kept busy with friends and church activities. But lately, Anna had noticed that things were changing. Her mother was becoming more forgetful and confused. Also, she was spending a lot of time alone in her house, which wasn't like her. One day, her mom got lost on her way home from shopping. Anna knew it was time to get help. She took her mom to the doctor. Anna was really upset to learn that her mom had early stage Alzheimer's disease. It's been tough, but learning about treatment choices and how to live with the disease has helped the whole family. They're taking one day at a time.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease also causes serious memory problems. The signs of Alzheimer's disease begin slowly and get worse over time. This is because nerve cell changes in the brain cause large numbers of brain cells to die. It may look like simple forgetfulness at first, but over time, people with Alzheimer's disease have trouble thinking clearly. They find it hard to do everyday things like shopping, driving, cooking, and having a conversation. As the illness gets worse, people with Alzheimer's disease may need someone to take care of all their needs (feeding, bathing, etc.) at home or in a nursing home.

Medication can help

If you are in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer's disease, taking medications can help. Some medicines keep symptoms, such as memory loss, from getting worse for a time. Medications also can help if you are worried, depressed, or are having problems sleeping.

Sam's story

Sam feels good for a guy his age. He's an active 70 year old. So, he couldn't believe it when, all of a sudden, he couldn't remember what somebody told him 5 minutes ago.

He went for a check-up. The doctor told him that his forgetfulness was caused by small strokes. These strokes had damaged some of his brains cells. She said his problem was called multi - infarct dementia. She said that she couldn't cure his memory problems, but that she would give him medicine to lower his high blood pressure. This medicine also would lower his chances of having more strokes. Sam wasn't happy to find out that his doctor couldn't fix everything. Even so, he agreed to take his medication. At least then he'd be doing something to keep from having more strokes.

Multi-infarct dementia

Many people have never heard of multi-infarct dementia. Like Alzheimer's disease, it is a medical condition that causes serious memory problems. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, signs of multi-infarct dementia may appear suddenly. This is because the memory loss and confusion are caused by small strokes or changes in the blood supply to the brain. If the strokes stop, you can get better or stay the same for a long time. If you have more strokes, you can get worse. Taking care of your high blood pressure can lower your chances of getting this illness.

How to cope with serious memory problems

What should I do if I'm worried about my memory?

See your doctor. If your doctor thinks it's serious, you may need to have a complete checkup, including blood and urine tests. You also may need to take tests that check your memory, problem solving, counting, and language skills. In addition, you may need a CAT scan of the brain. These pictures can show normal and problem areas in the brain. Once the doctor finds out what is causing your memory problems, ask about what is the best treatment for you.

What can family members do to help?

Family members and friends can help you live as normal a life as possible. They can help you exercise, visit with friends, and keep up your daily routines. They can remind you of the time of day, where you live, and what is happening at home and in the world.

Some families use the following things to help with memory: big calendars, lists of the plans for each day, notes about safety in the home, written directions for using common household items.

Summary

We hope this booklet helps you understand:

1. The differences between normal forgetfulness and the signs of a more serious illness.

2. The medical causes of memory problems and how they can be treated.

3. How to cope with serious memory problems.

See your doctor if you are worried about your memory. It's important to find out what is causing your memory problems.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.