Many people worry about becoming more forgetful as they get older.  Some assume that memory loss is a normal part of aging and do nothing about it.  Others are afraid that memory problems are the first sign of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness.

It is true that most people experience some problems remembering things as they get older.  However, experts now know that serious memory loss and confusion are not a normal part of the aging process

There are many conditions that can cause memory loss.  Often, memory improves when the condition causing the problem is treated.  Even if the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease or a related illness, much can be done to treat the patient and help the family. If you or someone you care for is having memory problems, you should see the doctor right away.

Possible causes of memory loss:

• Medication overuse/under use
• Serious depression
• Alcohol abuse
• Poor nutrition
• Thyroid problems
• Head injury
• Tumors
• Stroke
• Heart or lung disease
• Infection
• Delirium
• High fever
• Severe dehydration
• Dementia

Suggestions for coping with memory loss
While you may clearly remember things that happened long ago, recent events can be quickly forgotten. You may have trouble keeping track of time, people and places. You may forget appointments or people's names. It might be very frustrating trying to remember where you put things.

• Keep a book of important notes with you at all times that has: 
  
  • Important telephone numbers and addresses, including emergency numbers and your own contact information
    
  • People's names and their relationships to you
    
  • A "to do" list of appointments
    
  • A map showing where your home is
    
  • Thoughts or ideas you want to hold on to
• Label cupboards and drawers with words or pictures that describe their contents, such as dishes and silverware or sweaters and socks.
  
• Get an easy-to-read digital clock that displays the time and date, and keep it in a prominent place.
  
• Use an answering machine to keep track of telephone messages.
  
• Post phone numbers in large print next to the telephone. Include emergency numbers along with your address and a description of where you live.
  
• Have a dependable friend call to remind you about meal times, appointments and medication.
  
• Keep a set of photos of people you see regularly; label the photos with names and what each does.
  
• Keep track of the date by marking off each day on a calendar.
  
• Use pillboxes to help you organize your medication; pillboxes with sections for times of day like morning and evening can help remind you when you should take your pills.

Finding your way
Sometimes, things that were once familiar to you may now seem unfamiliar. A favorite place may not look the same, or you might get lost.

• Take someone with you when you go out.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Explain to others that you have a memory problem and need assistance.
• Enroll in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response program for individuals with dementia who wander or who have a medical emergency.

Doing daily tasks
You may find familiar activities more difficult. For example, you may have trouble balancing a checkbook, following a recipe or doing simple household repairs.

• Give yourself a lot of time, and don't let others hurry you.
• Take a break if something is too difficult.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Arrange for others to help you with difficult tasks.
• Maintain a daily routine.

Over time, certain things may become too difficult for you to do at all. This is because of the disease. Do the best you can, and accept help when it's available.

Talking to others
You may have difficulty understanding what others are saying. You may have trouble finding the right words to express your thoughts.

• Take your time.
• Tell people you have difficulty with thinking, communicating and remembering.
• Consider with whom you will share your diagnosis – it can be helpful for family and friends to understand your condition.
• Ask the person to repeat a statement if you did not understand what was said.
• Find a quiet place to converse if loud noises or crowds are bothering you.