Want to Know How Important Memory Is?

By Tamela Thomas, Wellness Manager

Just listen to the way we talk about people. Listen to your friends and co-workers. Judgements are quickly passed both on us, and on others relating to forgetfulness.

I was talking to a friend and found out she had recently lost a relative. When I expressed my condolences, she remarked, "Oh, thank you, but it was okay. He was 82 and couldn't remember a thing." When I asked if he was in a home or whether his passing was expected, she replied no and said he had been living on his own and passed quite suddenly.

Well, that statement really stuck with me. It drove home the point of how much we value memory for both for ourselves and others. Who is to say that someone living on their own is not finding value and enjoyment in everyday life? Why do we tend to judge existence less worthy because someone cannot remember fellow family members and things that have been discussed?

The point I wish to make isn't that my friend is insensitive in nature—quite the contrary is true. However, she, like the rest of society, has a very high regard for memory.

Memory Concerns?

Learn to Forget About Them

By Monique Cherrier, MD, Geriatric Neuropsychologist

Unpredictable, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing, memory lapses like these are moments that many of us would rather forget. Yet, if frequent bouts of forgetfulness are causing you stress and worry, take note: There can be a simple explanation. As we get older, it is very common for people to become concerned about memory loss. In fact, many people suspect that they are victims of Alzheimer's disease. However, there is a big difference between losing cognitive function in the brain—or, in essence, losing the ability to remember—and simply having difficulty recalling information. Most commonly, random memory problems are associated with the normal aging process or are a result of lifestyle stresses.

While a persistent myth exists that mental decline occurs with aging, the truth is that people 65 years or older have little cause for alarm. The majority of individuals over the age of 65—93 percent of us—have mental capabilities that function properly. In fact, there is very little true memory loss associated with the process of aging. Rather, what researchers have discovered is that as people get older they may need to make adjustments for the most efficient use of their memory skills.

Memory loss in people of all ages can also be the result of increased pressures in daily life. Depression, stress and fatigue can overload the mind with information and interfere with optimal memory performance. Frequently, older adults take on many responsibilities in their retirement and may find themselves even busier than when they were working.

How can you improve your ability to remember?

There are many practical ways healthy adults can sharpen their memory skills. In general, it depends on the type of information you are trying to remember and the situation. Here are some useful tips that can provide a starting point for you...

Location, location, location. Establish a specific place for small items such as keys, eyeglasses, purses, wallets or appointment books. Consistency is the key. If it is not kept in a special place, then it is likely to get lost.

Organize. Whenever possible, try to organize or categorize large amounts of information. When trying to learn someone's phone number, try and learn the suffix and prefix as two separate bits of information. This is called chunking. Or try to find something that the phone number spells out that is meaningful.

Prominence. Try to place things in an area of prominence that will remind you to act when you see them. For example, set things by the door that you want to take with you the next time you leave the house. Place your medicines near the bathroom or kitchen sink to remind you to take them.

Take notes. Try to keep a pad of paper or notebook handy to write down information you want to remember. It is also important to try and minimize the number of lists to one main list that you refer to on a daily basis.

Visualize. Establish a visual image of what you are trying to remember. The more bizarre or rich the imagery, the easier you will be able to retrieve it.

Rehearse. The more you practice or review the information you are trying to remember, the more likely you will retrieve it later. You cannot expect to remember something after glancing at it one time.

Pay attention. Practices paying particular attention the next time you meet someone. Make good eye contact and notice more than just their name. The more information you know about someone, the more likely you will recall it later.

Where can I go if I am still concerned about my memory?

Forgetting a tee time at the golf course may not be cause for alarm. However, memory changes that affect your daily functioning could indicate a more severe disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, which affects nearly 4 percent of adults aged 65 and older. Memory problems can also stem from depression, alcoholism, medication side effects, poor nutrition and other unmanaged health problems.

If the problem persists, consult your physician. The Memory Wellness Clinic at the University of Washington and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System offers free memory evaluations—call 206.764.2809 or 888.291.7316 for information.