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Dementia & Age Associated Memory Impairment
Dementia is the medical term for severe
loss of memory. Memory loss can be caused by multiple problems including
disease, injury, stroke, oxygen deprivation, diabetes, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), alcohol & drug abuse, adverse
effects of prescription drugs, epilepsy, heart disease, endocrine
disorders, and many others. Impairment in the formation of new memories is an early symptom that then progresses over the course of years to profound global amnesia and functional impairment. The brain function of a person who has Alzheimer’s disease continues to get worse until the person dies. Death may occur after as few as 3 years or as long as 20 years after an accurate diagnosis is made. The earlier the onset, the more insidious the disease process. Early Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms » Memory lapses » Problems thinking of the right name for common objects » Difficulties making decisions » Confusion » Personality changes, such as increased irritability Late Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms » Long term memory loss, including forgetting the names of family members » Inability to manage responsibilities, such proper diet and medication management » Inability to look after oneself, including toileting » Severe personality changes » Loss of social skills, such as inability to hold a conversation » Speech loss » In the final stages, the person is usually bed-ridden and needs full time care. Neuropsychological testing is often very helpful in making the distinction between normal, age-associated memory impairment and the presence of dementia. Assessments can also help rule out the existence of major depression, a treatable condition that can cause symptoms similar to early stage dementia. Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) Normal, Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) is very different from dementia. AAMI is diagnosed when 4 criteria are present:
(1) You are 50 years old or older; AAMI is not related impairment in memory systems, but to the slowing of general cognitive processes. Learning to allow more time to complete tasks and controlling related frustrations are important steps to add to our daily lives if we are to enjoy health aging. While neuropsychological assessment can be a critical tool in early detection of serious health issues, it can be just as valuable in ruling-out serious impairment. |
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