Fact sheet memory problems
- Slight forgetfulness and memory lapses often occur as part of the normal aging process. Older people need more time to learn new things or remembering old things. We all sometimes make the experience that it is hard to remember a name or a word. In Alzheimer's patients take these symptoms, however, in frequency and strength. Everyone forgets from time to time, where he has put his car keys, and the Alzheimer's patient but can not remember what the key is all.
- Recently, increasing interest in a Board of image called mild cognitive impairment (MCI or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which is characterized by a marked forgetfulness. This is not dementia, but was recently identified as a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease . All patients who develop a form of dementia, experience a period of MCI. However, all is not ill, suffering from MCI, later at the Alzheimer's disease.
- There are many complaints that may contribute to the development of memory problems and dementia, Alzheimer's disease is only one of them. Characteristic of the dementia is a decline in intellectual functions, as illustrated by significantly in normal social environment and in daily activities. Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia (a series of small strokes) form the majority of all dementia in old age. Other possible reasons for demenzähnliche symptoms are infections, drug abuse, irregularities of metabolism, nutritional disorders, brain tumors, depression or some other progressive disease like Parkinson's disease.
- If the memory problems are more common or severe and as friends and family aware of any daily activities are affected - for example in connection with professional duties, social relations, or domestic work, it is advisable to bring in professional advice. An experienced doctor who knows about brain disorders and dementia, should be used for evaluation.