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Health & Fitness

Am I forgetful or do I have a serious memory problem?*

Mild forgetfulness is something that happens to some of us as we age. What to do if you're worried about it.

Mild forgetfulness is something that happens to some of us as we age.  That may mean taking longer to learn new things, remembering certain words, forgetting where we put our keys or having difficulty finding our glasses.  The best thing, if you are worried about memory loss is to see your doctor. 

 Visiting Angels is hosting a free Memory Screening on November 13, 2012 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, by appointment only. 

Call for your confidential screening:  301-355-6578.

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The memory screening is not a diagnosis.  It is a test, administered by registered nurses, which can help your doctor determine if you have a problem with your memory.  You are given your results and encouraged to see your doctor; particularly if you have concerns. 

There are ways to help with mild memory issues. 
They are:

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  • Volunteer in your community, at a school, or at your place of worship.
  • Learn a new skill.
  • Spend time with family and friends.
  • Use memory tools such as lists, calendars and notes to yourself.
  • Put your keys, glasses or wallet in the same place each day.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Exercise and eat a balanced diet.
  • Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
  • Seek help from your doctor if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.

    Some people do experience serious memory loss. 
    This memory loss will make it difficult to do ordinary things such as:
    driving, shopping or talking with a friend. 


        Signs of serious memory loss are:

  • Asking the same question repeatedly
  • Getting lost in places you know well
  • Not being able to follow directions
  • Becoming confused about time, people, and places
  • Not taking care of yourself – eating poorly, not bathing, being unsafe

If you are experiencing these things it’s important to find out what might be
causing a serious memory problem.  Once
the cause has been determined then proper treatment can begin.  Some memory issues are caused by medical
conditions and once treated can go away. 
Some medical problems that may cause memory loss include: 

  • Bad reaction to medication
  • Depression
  • Not eating healthy foods, or too few vitamins and minerals in your body
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Blood clots or tumors in the brain
  • Head injury
  • Thyroid, kidneyor liver problems

These are serious issues and you should consult your doctor right away.

There are issues for which there is no proven treatment, such as mild cognitive
impairment, certain dementias and even Alzheimer’s disease.  There are medications that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 
There is no known cure.

If you are worried about memory loss, please come to the memory screening, to be held:

Date:  November 13, 2012

Place:    Visiting Angels

             971 Russell Avenue, Unit A

            Gaithersburg,MD  20879


Time:     10:00am – 4:00 pm

By Appointment only, please call 301-355-6578 for your confidential screening.

*Taken
from NIH Publication No. 10-5442, National Institute on Aging

 

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