Introduction
Memory loss is a very common symptom, especially among the elderly people. On and off, they forget something. This is considered normal – even the young may occasionally forget about where they have placed their house keys or handphone.
However, when memory loss occurs frequently and results in disruption in daily activities, this is not normal– this is what we call Dementia. Associated with Dementia are change in personality such as social withdrawal (tendency to avoid meeting people), hallucination (seeing “things” which do not exist) and delusion (believing that other people are trying to harm them or steal their money).
All patients who have memory loss, especially Dementia, are advised to consult the Neurologist because memory loss can be due to Stroke, a life-threatening condition.
What are the common causes of Dementia?
Alzheimer's Disease
This is the most common cause of Dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by progressive damage of brain cells that is irreversible. The memory loss starts slowly, over one to three years. The memory loss is progressive, and results in deterioration in memory from year to year. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown.
Stroke
Stroke is another common cause of Dementia. In contrast to Alzheimer’s disease, the memory problem starts much more quickly, over a few days to a few months. Stroke occurs when there is blockage of the blood vessel in the brain. This usually occurs among the elderly people who have risk factors such as Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol level.
Head Injury and Brain Tumours
Head injury can cause memory problem, especially when there is bleeding in the brain. Many patients who have Head Injury cannot recall what happened prior to the accident or fall. Thus, when patients say that there is no history of preceding falls, it does not rule out Head Injury.
Occasionally, brain tumours can present as memory loss.
Thyroid Disorder
Reduced level of thyroid hormone can cause memory loss, especially among patients who have undergone thyroid surgery. Thyroid disorder must be ruled out in all patients who have memory loss because in these cases, the memory loss can be reversed by giving thyroid hormone pills.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Reduced level of vitamin B12 is another possible cause of memory loss, especially among vegetarians – the main source of vitamin B12 is meat. Vitamin B12 deficiency must be ruled out in all patients who have memory loss because in these cases, the memory loss can be reversed by giving vitamin B12.
Emotional Disorders
Emotional disorders can affect memory. These refer to Anxiety (excessive worrying and thinking), Depression (feeling low or sad) and work-related stress. Fortunately, the treatment of emotional disorders is usually effective in improving the memory.
What will the Neurologist do for patients with memory problems?
The Neurologist will perform physical examination, assessment of memory, blood tests (especially thyroid hormone and Vitamin B12 level) and MRI brain scan.
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