What Triggers Memory Loss as We Age
According to the World Health Organization, at least 5 percent of all people will develop dementia after the age of 60. However, that number only makes up a small portion of the people who will eventually suffer some kind of memory loss as they age.
But why do people suffer memory problems at all? Surely those who exercise daily and eat healthy diets should have stronger bodies and minds as a result. As it turns out, there are a wide variety of factors that affect your brain health over time.
Here are some of those factors that can affect your memory as you age.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
One reason why aging parents and other seniors suffer from memory loss is because of brain injuries. Even something as easily obtained as a concussion can have irreversible effects on your mind and memory.
People most often get a TBI from a fall, a vehicle crash, or an assault. However, you can also receive brain trauma from playing football.
Those various cases of brain trauma can end up piling up as a person gets older. There are even ex-football players who suffer from emotional and memory problems due to the years of playing their chosen sport.
More severe cases of TBI can alter a person's personality nearly instantly.
Vascular Changes
Another way a person may suffer memory problems over time is through vascular changes. The brain relies on sufficient blood flow to operate at peak efficiency. Without oxygen, it can suffer serious damage and even die.
The brain's blood flow decreases with age, and this affects memory and cognitive skills. There's also the danger of high blood pressure, which can cause a stroke.
When a stroke occurs, parts of the brain become damaged and can die. Even a minor stroke can cause debilitating symptoms for years afterward.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can come from anything such as rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis. It can last for years, and the effects will vary depending on the injury.
The problem is that brain milieu can change in response to systemic inflammation. Mechanisms will result in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.
More serious and lengthy inflammation can cause permanent brain damage. However, the brain is capable of repairing and regenerating damaged tissue to a point. Cognitive health should improve alongside inflammation treatment.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors can increase the risk of developing certain memory problems. One of the most well-known problems is Alzheimer's disease, which is a common type of dementia. The individual loses more and more of their memory over time as the disease progresses.
Huntington's disease is another progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene. It directly affects the area of your brain that controls movement, behavior, and cognitive abilities.
Memory loss can also come about as a side effect of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). While this usually affects the central nervous system, it can also damage the nerve fibers in the brain.
Depression and Anxiety
It's widely known that mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can directly affect your memory and cognitive function.
Firstly, prolonged depression can cause structural changes in your brain. These changes can result in worse memory and emotion regulation.
Furthermore, depression is associated with imbalances in your brain's neurotransmitters. These imbalances can impact the communication between your brain cells.
Even a problem like anxiety can cause lapses in judgment and memory. You can become so hyper-focused on something that makes you anxious and forget everything else in your life.
One way to stay on top of your mental health is by bringing a pet into your life. Not only can they bring comfort, but they may force you to become more active and attentive.
Exercise and diet are two other ways that can improve your mood and give you more energy.
Medications
Medications are a necessity for many older individuals who need elderly care. However, some medications can cause side effects including disrupted memory function or difficulty sleeping.
While these won't always cause a deterioration of their mental function, they can cause temporary problems as long as they're using that specific medication. Other side effects such as insomnia or altered blood pressure may also have a negative effect on their mental faculties.
Lifestyle Factors
Most people are aware that how they live their lives can affect both their mental and physical health. However, those lifestyle factors can also cause permanent changes to your brain functions.
For example, a poor diet and lack of exercise will mean that your body doesn't have enough energy to run at peak efficiency. Your brain will suffer as a result, and that can carry on into old age.
The same goes double for things like binge drinking or smoking. In fact, excessive alcohol consumption can cause alcohol-induced dementia. Your brain is especially susceptible to these changes as you get older.
A senior community should provide both healthy meals and various forms of exercise to help maintain the health of your loved ones.
Normal Aging Process
Finally, it's completely normal for aging to cause changes in the brain. The brain's volume decreases over time, which means there's less surface to process your thoughts and feelings. Communication between neurons becomes less efficient and can lead to mild forgetfulness.
However, it is important to keep in mind what level of memory loss is acceptable and what is a sign of something worse. Regular visits to your doctor and sufficient elderly care can help you track your condition.
Manage Memory Loss in a Senior Living Community
Memory loss won't always go away, especially for aging individuals. However, that doesn't mean that they can't improve their quality of life and find happiness in a shared community.
The Watermark at Trinity provides senior living with great views and superior value. Our various residences provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care for your loved one. And it's all located north of Tampa Bay just minutes from Pinellas County.
Reach out today to learn more and set up a visit.