Causes of Memory Loss that are Not Alzheimer's Disease

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation

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This bears repeating: Not every instance of memory loss is a sign of encroaching Alzheimer's disease.

Many common medical conditions, most of them easily and completely treatable, can impair memory. A great review of such conditions is underway online at Behavioral Health Central.

I encourage readers to click the link and read the article but here is a list of the conditions reviewed to date:

1. Chronic Stress
2. Depression
3. Medications
4. Malfunctioning Thyroid
5. Pregnancy or Menopause
6. Excessive Drinking
7. Head Injury
8. Normal Aging

I think it is important to point out that a sharp, progressive decline in memory function is not consistent with normal aging. Some aspects of one's recall abilities, such as speed of word and name recall, tend to decline slowly with age, but more serious changes are never normal and should be evaluated by a physician.

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A better understanding and more awareness of Alzheimer's related issues can impact personal health decisions and generate significant impact across a population of aging individuals. Please use the share button below to spread this educational message as widely as possible.

Medications that can Impair Memory

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation
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Amid the stream of press about memory loss, there is an obvious focus on Alzheimer's disease. There is less prevalent coverage of other memory-impairing medical conditions such as depression and thyroid disorders, to name a couple. However, there is scant attention paid, and in fact few online resources that I have located, focused on medications that are known to impair memory.

I noticed this short story at NewTimes.com and I thought it should be shared. It is written by Dr. Beata Skudlarska, a geriatrician in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

While the article largely debunks the notion that Lipitor and other statins cause memory loss, the author recognizes that there is evidence of such side effects in about 2% of the population. More importantly, the article names other specific drugs that are known to be associated with memory disturbances.

Reference is made to certain drugs in all of the following categories:

• Tranquilizers
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-psychotics
• Pain killers and muscle relaxants
• Stimulants

Reference is also made to certain drugs for treating the following conditions:

• Upset stomach
• Incontinence
• Allergies
• Stomach Cramps
• Allergies
• Seizures
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Inflammation

It is a short article, it is well written, and doesn't appear to be selling anything other than expert medical advice. If you have any memory concerns that you think might be related to medications you take, I recommend you follow this link and read it.
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A better understanding and more awareness of Alzheimer's related issues can impact personal health decisions and generate significant impact across a population of aging individuals. Please use the share buttons below to spread this educational message as widely as possible.