symptoms of brain spinal cord and nerve disorders
brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Memory Loss
Memory loss and fear of dementia are common sources of worry among older adults. Usually, memory loss results from normal age-related changes in the brain, which slow mental functions slightly but do not significantly impair them. Memory loss due to dementia usually interferes with the ability to do daily activities and becomes progressively worse. People who are aware of memory loss may not have dementia. Doctors can usually identify the cause based on results of the examination, imaging tests (such as MRI or CT), and other tests, including formal tests of mental function. Having a healthy lifestyle, staying mentally active, and participating in social activities may help maintain mental function or postpone its decline. Using lists and other memory aids, focusing on one thing at a time, and getting organized can help older adults compensate for age-related changes in memory. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors (such asdonepezil) and may help with memory, particularly if people have Alzheimer disease or dementia with Lewy bodies, andlecanemaband donanemab may help. 