10 Causes of Memory Loss in Old Age – HOP ML Podcast

If your loved one has developed memory loss in old age, you may be wondering if it’s a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, or another dementia.

But since there are many other medical problems that can cause memory or thinking problems in later life (memory loss in 70s, 80s or 90s), it’s essential to not assume it’s Alzheimer’s until a medical evaluation has checked for other causes.

In this video, Dr. Kernisan explains the common causes of memory loss that geriatricians often check for.

Dr. Kernisan’s book: When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A Geriatrician's Step-by-Step Guide to Memory Loss, Resistance, Safety Worries, & More

Video Chapters:
00:00 Causes of memory loss in old age.
02:04 Ten memory loss causes.
01:14 Medication side-effects.
02:26 Abnormalities in one’s blood chemistry.
02:51 Problems with hormones, such as thyroid hormones.
03:11 Deficiencies in vitamins and other key nutrients.
03:25 Delirium.
This is a state of worse-than-usual mental function that can be brought on by just about any type of serious illness. Delirium is especially common in hospitalized older adults.
03:53 Psychiatric illness.
04:30 Substance abuse.
Intoxication or chronic overuse of certain substances often impairs brain function.
04:54 Damage to brain neurons, due to an injury.
05:57 Infections.
Certain chronic or acute infections can affect brain cells directly.
06:31 Neurodegenerative conditions which damage brain cells over time.
07:20 What causing my parent's memory loss?
Could it be reversed?

LEARN – ONLINE COURSES:

Helping Older Parents with Memory Loss:

Caregiving Tips for Aging Parents – HOP: Helping Older Parents:

Dr. K and her team of expert geriatric care managers currently provide ongoing support and guidance to families dealing with memory loss and Alzheimer’s through her latest online course, Helping Older Parents with Memory Loss.

WATCH NEXT:

Episode #4 – What are ADLs and IADLs:

Episode #5 – How ADLs and IADLs change in early Alzheimer's:

Episode #6 – 10 Warning Signs of Early Alzheimer's Disease:
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Dr. Kernisan's website, podcast, and YouTube channel all provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to deal with common health issues that affect the elderly.

#brain #dementia #oldagecare #oldagepeople #aging #agingparents #alzheimers

Disclaimer: The material on the Better Health While Aging Youtube channel, including any exchanges in the comments section, is for informational and educational purposes only.

[cmcer]

Good data. As a retired RN with many years of Forensic Psychiatry behind me I dealt with various ages of patients including the elderly. The hospital where I worked also had a couple of geriatric psychiatric wards as well where at times I assist there as well. I also worked in HomeHealth for about 10-years often with the elderly too. So, I occasionally run into questions about many physiological/cognitive issues. Anyway, I am trying to be a good source to refer acquaintances in the right direction that's why I came to your channel and subscribed because you can always use some updating knowledge. I do plan on purchasing your book as a reference guide also. And thank you for providing this information to the general public as well.

[johnharber]

I am not sure that her memory was badly affected but, some time ago, an elderly parent became terribly confused within the space of a day or two. Once I realised she had become dehydrated and encouraged her to drink more water, she returned to her usual self.

[rockyfjord]

I remember everything, it's all there in my brain. I just can't recall it immediately.

[booradleyx]

I work with a 73 year old (thats another story and problem). I have noticed that his memory is terrible, he cant retain information for longer than a few hours. Its insane he thinks he's actually contributing to the workplace, if anything we spend time fixing his errors daily.

[janysakurdeep]

Thanks a lot Dr for all the information great help for us seniors.God bless you in your profession.

[ChadSharkeyNursePractitioner]

I think a large barrier to cognitive impairment workup is the lack of time and knowledge in the primary care clinics. So many primary care providers think that memory loss is just a normal process.

[ScottysAir]

Thanks so much for your help. I have a memory problem. My brain is not good enough to remember the last time. I am still dreaming about Jennifer Driggers all the time and I have go back in time. I haven’t see her for three decades now. I still love her so much. I can’t lose my mind about her. So I need an MRI to see what is wrong with my brain. I still want to bring her back alive. I cannot lose my mind over again. So please help me out with my memory.

[suzannehousden]

Thank you for the information I appreciated it!

[esjabear]

I'm 78. My nightly use of blood pressure medications has for over 20 years caused significant problems with memory and cognition. A month ago I started taking Magnesium Threonate each morning, and within an hour it relieves ALL my symptoms. Are there any research papers related to this, that I can show to my doctor?

[DivergentMoon]

None of these seem to address my friend's memory and cognitive loss. I think it's from the huge trauma caused by the machete murder of her son. He lived on a remote island and had to be airlifted to the Philippines. Unfortunately he died in route with her at his side. She showed understandable mental issues for years after. Recovered about 60 percent. And then, probably because she is 78 now, has developed clear cognitive and memory loss. Also hearing and vision loss, which may give a clue to it being something else. But still, can this kind of trauma cause such damage to the brain that it causes this kind of decline?

[ApplePineSpine]

If a parent repeats questions, how many times is too much? Twice, three times or multiple times within an hour?

[YangaLytBear]

Today was my little brothers birthday ..we made food but were waiting for my parents to come
My dad and mom came back from a church potluck and my dad didnt remember going to the it .
Kept asking about my sisters sweater where she got it
He couldnt remember taking his friend to a party several days before
Hes always had a great memory but is 70 and has had a bad diet for years and has sleep apnea..idk
Im hoping its not alzheimers or dementia

[Queenie-the-genie]

I have found that if I go too long without eating, I have a hard time with some individual words. After I eat it clears up. I take no medications except vitamins. I am a very active artist and gardener. I will be 78 on 07/29/2023

[denisefuentes]

I’ve just chosen to delete a lot. I don’t want to remember.

[DarleneFrost-hx]

Im worry abiut myself had a stroke 1995. And just ladt year fell concussion.

[k.t.rajan-velan]

YES TRUE MEM LOSING IN ME TOO I AM 81 AGE NOW.CARNT SEE UNSEEN IN SECONDS. SUFFERED IN YOUNG AGE. LAK OF BLOOD FLOW. COMES TO SINGLE TIME.

[johnlangan]

has been my experience that memory loss is TEMPORARY. Sometimes, thinking about something ''related'' to what you are trying to remember and the memory will come back.

[sharminiserasinghe]

Can memory loss be caused by deafness in an 84 year-old?

[charlssalisid]

Doc. My husband diagnosed of Parkinson's .his memory is affected .what vitamins is good for him?Please help us doc his age is 59 years old

[veereshm]

Hi Mam, This is Veeresh, My father Memory loss issue and repeatedly Speak same words many time, My Father is Band Master, now band also not going due to this issue, they totally disappointed no band any thing, My Father loves Music 24hrs Suddenly they stop that's and other reason memories not find out specific to my name, Just know Our Family that's it, Kindly Give me reply me