Memory loss in the elderly: what you need to know?

Memory impairment, the final result is dementia, is neglected diseases in developing countries. This stems from the notion that old age must be forgotten, confused. This misconception has been a great influence on the quality of life of elderly people, because it makes patients with dementia, to a situation of isolation.

Four types of memory
The process of capturing the information of memory over time can be classified into 4 categories: Memory Intuitively, short-term memory, memory near and distant memory (long term memory). Intuitively memory lasts about 1-2 seconds by listening. Short term memory can last for about 30 seconds and capable remember 5-10 threads. Memory close to last several minutes to several weeks, to go into that volume of information to go through a process of consolidation in a given time. Long-term memory storage for several weeks until a certain point in life.

Six manifestation of memory impairment
- Forget things have been used very often.
- Forget using items that have been used so many times.
- Difficulties when receiving new information.
- Or repeat a sentence or a story in the same conversation.
- Difficulty in choosing and keeping the money.
- Unable to keep daily routines.

Early detection of cognitive decline over the following signs:
- There are complaints about memory.
- Memory has decreased compared to the old.
- The daily life activities remained normal.
- Functions general perception remains normal.
- No dementia.

Noting that the body plays a very important role in helping to detect early signs of memory impairment in patients. If there are doubts, the body should quickly bring the patient to specialized medical facility for examination and treatment.

Treatment of memory loss by not taking
Age-related memory decline is a natural process of aging, it is not enough to require treatment with drugs that just apply positive measures non-pharmacological treatment such as a list of work that needs to be done, schedule for the day's work, follow the work schedule set, sets out the important things to note executed. When the patient was examined by a physician and the patient's pathological memory loss (not due to age-related memory decline), it can be treated with medicine.

Prevent memory loss
Prevent cognitive decline by regular mental activity, avoiding alcohol (drinking too much increases triglycerides in the blood and increase the risk of ischemic stroke), exercise (have the effect of reducing blood pressure, lowering low incidence of heart disease, reduce body weight, decreased plasma fibrinogen...), eat right (more fruits, fiber, vegetables, limit fatty foods and sweets, eat enough protein on demand, eat salt reduction to lower blood pressure significantly and thus reduce the incidence of cerebral vascular accident).