Memory Loss Not What We Think
There is a lot of confusion about memory loss and the two names that have become synonymous with memory loss. Namely, Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Helen Bagstad at Wetlands
Helen guiding the way
The most common misconception is that they are the same or comparable in many ways. Another misconception is that they are both a disease and irreversible. Let me clear a few things up because it is very important to know what can be done about a majority of memory loss issues.
First of all, Alzheimer’s is a disease that is caused by plaques that build up in a particular part of the brain. That’s why its symptoms are all so similar from one case to another. If they affect the same part of the brain, it is understandable that that portion of the brain serves the same functions on everyone. What makes Alzheimer’s so nasty is that the conditions that cause it can start, whether they are lifestyle of hereditary, can start long before any symptoms are recognized.
Dementia, on the other hand, is a general term for memory loss. Indeed, Alzheimer’s is a form of Dementia since it is a form of memory loss. But the reverse is not true, nor is either condition related other than the fact that they both lead to symptoms of memory loss. Dementia includes memory loss from all kinds of conditions of the body for all kinds of reasons.
Dementia can be a result of imbalances in the body chemistry. For instance, a low level of salt in the body can lead to memory loss. Being extremely tired can lead to memory loss as can many other conditions, most or all of which are treatable or reversible. Just reverse the condition that caused it and the symptoms go can go away.
Under use, misuse, or abuse of the brain can cause memory loss. In fact, this is what is often mistakenly associated with aging when, indeed, it is just a change in the use of the brain and not a change in the age. Unhealthy aging might cause someone to quit using their brain in ways that keep it sharp but, it is not an automatic part of the aging processes itself. I watched as my mother was diagnosed with Dementia and, on one occasion, it was just a low level of salt in her blood.
The main diagnosis came after she had started becoming forgetful. And, that was it, diagnosis made, case closed, prescribe drugs and let’s move on to the next patient. That seems to be most hospitals treatment of Dementia. In fact, I believe, it is just a convenient term to use for hundreds of reasons for memory loss so a treatment program can be prescribed and, like I said, case closed.
But, I thought to myself, “not so quick.” I started reading everything I could about Dementia and came to the conclusion that it was mom’s change in activity that had been the underlying cause of her memory issues. You know how they say “Use it or lose it!” And, well, the brain muscle is no different than other muscles in one respect. If it is not kept active, it’s ability to perform will
She had been very active all her life and that didn’t stop as she approached her 90’s. She was a volunteer worker at the Clark County Wetlands in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada of course. It’s an amazing place in the middle of the desert and she was so knowledgeable about it and so proud to be a part of it.
She also volunteered at the Clark County Museum on Bolder Highway in Henderson and was even featured in a special calendar that they produced one year. She was baking something. She and my father had been docent at the Spring Ranch appropriately nestled near the Spring Mountains just West of Las Vegas and once owned by the flamboyant Howard Hughes.
But, one day, after serving in some capacity for the Wetlands, she was being dropped off and the driver took off before she was completely out of the vehicle. I could still ring his neck. He should have offered to come chauffeur her around and make sure she stay active until the cast was off. That’s the least he should have done and the best he could have done. He did nothing.
She broke her forearm and could no longer drive her car. She was basically home bound. She had shown no signs of memory issues before her incident and had always been sharp as a tack as they say. She sat around watching TV and eating KFC meals. I wasn’t there so, I couldn’t do much. She slowly started to lose her sharp mind and wit. Oh, she was still very lucid as my brother and I had talked to each other about. She could remember things about the past that were amazing. Mike even helped her write some memoirs of those experiences.
But, she was no longer using her short term memory in the amazing way she had done before. She couldn’t go to the Wetlands, to the Museum, to Spring Mountain, or to do things for her grand children and great grand children. She couldn’t even go do her grocery shopping as before. Her brain activity went from tremendous to miniscule in an instant and the effects started showing to those around her mostly. I thought she would live to be 100 but, sadly, she died at 93. A good long life no doubt but, shortened by an unfortunate incident.
If you are ever in a situation to help a loved one keep their mind active after such an incident, don’t hesitate and don’t wait. Time is of the essence. Once the mind becomes less active, the body and the desire wane also. And then, it is a downward spiral.
There are many published ways to keep the mind active way into your older years. Puzzles, dancing, reading, talking to family members about the family history, and the list goes on. Do some research and do anything. You will find out what can help. But, do something!