You know the face, but you can’t remember the name. It’s on your tongue tip, and then it’s gone. You mock a vague greeting and go on. Just one hour later, the name appears clear as day. Are you already experiencing this type of situation? Then you are at the right place; keep reading.
You chalk it to stress or distraction the first time that happens, and then it happens again. You seem to be temporarily elucidated by a name, password, or street address here and there. The memory you’re looking for usually occurs after the event, often at the strangest time. You might begin to wonder at some point, why can’t you remember that?
Changes in memory occur when we are older; if you are frustrated by frequent memory lapses, it may be time for age-related changes in memory. Although the aging process itself affects memory, other factors, including hormones, can contribute to these changes or compound them. Understanding the hormone impact can help you to manage and seek memory deficiency treatment. You can go for hormone therapy to keep your brain active even if you age.
Changing of Brain with Age
Dr. Daniel Schacter, professor of psychology at Harvard, has identified different types of memory problems throughout our lives. The first three involve forgetting; the other four involve distortions of recollected memories:
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Towards transience: forget a few things over time:
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Absent mind: Failure to remember things when our attention is diverted
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Blocking: Temporary inability to retrieve a “tongue tip” memory
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Misallocation: Memory associated with the incorrect source or circumstance
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Suggestibility: An imagined or familiar thing for memory is mistaken
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Taking Bias: Our memories are influenced by our inclinations and perceptions
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Persistence: Negative or traumatic memories, factually distorted
Some of us get stronger as we age. For example, transience occurs when we remove old, rarely-used memories and make room for new ones.
Certain memory losses and distortions could be normal and may not necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s or other serious memory impairment. In fact, many factors influence the memory functions of the brain as we age, including:
Changes in a Hippocampus
The normal process of aging causes changes in the hippocampus. As this important structure decreases, several brain functions, including episodic memory, work memory, processing speed, and executive function, have decreased.
Sleep
As memory consolidation is supposed to happen while we sleep, it is important to ensure adequate quality sleep. Researchers found that 7 to 8 hours is ideal to prevent negative effects on memory and thinking. Chronic stress can affect your sleep and is connected with inflammation in many parts of your body, including your brain.
Flow of Blood
Blood flow impairment can cause serious brain and memory problems as we age. Good physical health is, therefore, critically important for the function of the brain. Regular physics and high blood pressure and/or cholesterol treatment are essential to protect your brain. Keeping weight healthy and avoiding smoking also promote vascular health.
Thyroid Condition
Problems with the thyroid can cause memory problems and a lack of concentration. One study found that hypothyroidism has decreased by 12% in the volume of the right hippocampus. Scientists assume that this can cause memory deficits when a thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone.
Hormones of Sex
Declining sex hormones have multiple effects on memory function in older adults and remain the subject of ongoing research. Male and female hormonal fluctuations can contribute to memory problems commonly associated with aging. They can disturb sleep, too. Hormone therapy can improve your overall health.
See us at Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management in OKC if you wish to go for hormone therapy. Talk to our experts to learn about its benefits and the whole procedure. We are waiting for you!
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
