Typical Symptoms of Memory Loss Disease

Memory loss is an abnormal forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember recent events, recall one or more memories from the past, or both. This condition seriously affects the mental well-being and life of the patient. Let’s explore the typical symptoms of memory loss in the article below.

1. What are the typical symptoms of memory loss disease?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Below are 10 typical signs of memory loss.

1.1. Disruption of daily life due to memory loss

One of the most common signs of memory loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Other signs include forgetting dates or important events, repeatedly asking the same question, and increasingly relying on family members for things they used to do on their own, or depending on memory aids (such as reminder notes or electronic devices).

1.2. Difficulty planning or solving problems

Changes in the ability to develop and follow plans or work with numbers can be an issue for people with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or other dementias. They may find it difficult to track monthly bills or perform simple calculations. Additionally, they may struggle to concentrate and take much longer to do things than before. Sometimes, they will make mistakes when managing finances or household bills.

1.3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

People with dementia due to Alzheimer’s or other dementias often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, making a shopping list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Difficulty completing familiar tasks is one of the common symptoms of memory loss.

People with memory decline often face difficulties in remembering and performing daily tasks.

1.4. Confusion about time or place

People with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may struggle to understand something if it doesn’t happen immediately. Sometimes, they may forget where they are or how they got there. They might get confused about the day of the week but eventually realize it later.

1.5. Vision changes

Some individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may experience changes in vision. Vision impairment can make reading difficult or create challenges with balance. They may also struggle with identifying colors, contrasts, and judging distances. These issues can lead to serious difficulties, particularly when driving.

1.6. Loss of words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may have trouble following or participating in conversations. They might stop in the middle of a conversation, unsure how to continue, or they might repeat themselves. They can also face vocabulary challenges, such as forgetting the name of a familiar object or using the wrong term. This is a common sign of memory loss.

1.7. Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps

Individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may put objects in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to retrace their steps to find them. In some cases, they might accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

1.8. Decreased or poor judgment

Those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may experience changes in their ability to make sound decisions. For instance, they may exercise poor judgment when handling money or neglect personal grooming and hygiene.

1.9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias might become less engaged in social or work activities. Due to difficulties keeping up with conversations, they may shy away from social events or other activities they once enjoyed. They might also struggle to follow a favorite team or hobby.

1.10. Changes in mood and personality

Mood and personality shifts, such as confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, or anxiety, can occur in people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. They may become easily upset at home, with friends, or when taken out of their comfort zone.

People with memory decline often experience feelings of sadness, depression, and fear

2. What Should You Do When Experiencing Memory Loss Symptoms?

If you notice any of the memory loss signs mentioned above, don’t ignore them. You should see a doctor immediately to get an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

In addition to seeking medical attention in the early stages, it’s important to actively explore suitable solutions for early treatment and take steps to maintain your mental clarity and longevity. Lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and stimulating brain activities can help improve memory loss symptoms. Below are some ways to enhance memory that you can consider and apply:

2.1. Exercise

Exercise benefits not only your physical health but also improves brain function. Engaging in cardio exercises for 30 minutes, three times a week, can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s-related memory loss. Increased blood flow to the brain promotes the growth of new brain cells. There’s no need to feel pressured into strenuous activities—simple activities like walking, cycling, or gardening are enough to raise your heart rate.

2.2. Solve Puzzles

Challenge your brain daily with any type of puzzle—crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, or others. The more time you spend exercising your brain early in life, the better. Like physical exercise, keeping your brain active can help create new brain cells. Try creating online photo puzzles with familiar images or even family photos to stimulate memory associated with the pictures.

2.3. Gardening

Creating a peaceful and stress-free environment can help alleviate much of the mental discomfort associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Turn your garden into a sanctuary rather than a place of work, and it can provide therapeutic benefits.

2.4. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and anxiety for anyone, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that meditating for 15 to 30 minutes daily over time improves connectivity in the brain’s areas that are always active. Meditation also slows down the shrinkage of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Yoga can also offer excellent social benefits—try joining a class with friends and family to stimulate both your body and mind.

2.5. Healthy Diet

Improving brain function can easily start in the kitchen. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Salmon, herring, and tuna are great examples of foods high in omega-3. If seafood isn’t your preference, walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybean oil also contain high levels of omega-3. Try incorporating these foods into your diet 2-3 times a week.

The kitchen is also a great place for social interaction. Invite friends and family over to help maintain relationships while developing a brain-healthy diet.

A healthy diet for the brain can help improve memory decline

2.6. Reverse Actions

Changing daily habits can be challenging for anyone. By doing everyday tasks in reverse, you challenge your brain to learn something new every day. Even the most basic tasks can become physically and mentally difficult. For example, try writing or eating with your non-dominant hand, wearing your watch on the opposite wrist, or styling your hair with your left hand instead of your right. Performing any of these activities can activate parts of the brain that are not usually stimulated.

2.7. Play Card Games

One of the easiest ways to stimulate your brain is through familiar games. Each card game requires memory to track who holds certain cards or where specific cards are placed. To make the game more personal, customize the cards with family photos to help trigger personal memories. You can even create your own memory game using family portraits and images of familiar places.

2.8. Socialize with Others

Belonging to social groups helps people feel less lonely and also stimulates the brain in the process. Participating in group activities can reduce feelings of isolation. Consider joining a dance or art class to meet new people and experience new things. Additionally, socializing with friends and family can help maintain and build relationships.

2.9. Listen to Music

Music is not only therapeutic but also a great way to evoke memories from the past. Playing music from someone’s younger years can help trigger memories of a specific time or event. Consider creating a playlist of songs early on for future use as Alzheimer’s progresses. Music can also help an individual stay focused while completing tasks. Play the same song for different activities throughout the day to maintain consistency and associate specific tasks with certain songs.

2.10. Challenge Yourself in Daily Life

Similar to reverse actions, challenging yourself in daily life is another great way to keep your brain sharp. Think about each activity described and try to complete one or more tasks every day. Take up a new hobby like knitting or painting, or volunteer to take on a new project at work. These challenges keep your brain engaged and active.

The above article has provided insight into the symptoms of memory loss. If you are experiencing any signs of memory decline, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, actively taking care of your health early on and implementing memory-enhancing practices is essential for preventing and improving memory loss, helping you live a longer and healthier life.

References: Alz.org, Alzheimers.org.uk, Pennmedicine.org, Unitypoint.org