5 Things Which May Cause Memory Problems in Older Adults

5 Things Which May Cause Memory Problems in Older Adults

Some elderly people may face difficulties in remembering simpler things or might forget which errands to run. Some of your senior loved ones may even forget names of the close family members. Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer`s are known to have memory related problems. However, there are some surprising things which may also cause memory problems in some seniors. Here`s the list of 5 unforeseen things related to memory problems.

1. Thyroid Trouble

If a person`s memory is lagging and he or she is feeling depressed and anxious then a dysfunctional thyroid may be the answer. Thyroid may not have any role in making or destroying memories whatsoever. Seniors who have high or low levels of thyroid may face problems related to memory and focusing on things. Family caregivers can take their loved ones for a thyroid test to check whether the memory problem is due to thyroid or not.

2. Less Amount of Sleep

People with insomnia are known to develop day time fatigue due to sleep deprivation. Seniors who have an irregular sleeping pattern may disturb their internal body clock which may leads to a tiring mind and body. Family caregivers should make sure that the standard sleeping time does not fit everyone and should not be enforced in their loved one`s routine. If your loved one tends to wake up in the middle of the night then he or she may have a delayed reaction time during day time conversations.

3. Depression

Stress and anxiety may leads to puzzling memory in some people. Depression in seniors may cause mood swings and may disrupt neural activity which develops and recovers memory. If a senior in under stress for a longer time period then it may make it hard for him or her to stay wise.

4. Cigarettes

Smoking is a very unhealthy habit especially for senior adults. It may slow down the brain by damaging its blood supply. Smoking also enhances irregular proteins which may cause brain impairment. Family caregivers should make sure their loved one should quit smoking cigarettes if they are on the verge of having a memory breakdown.

5. High fat Foods

Foods that are deeply fried and contains high amounts of fats or sodium may cause memory deprivation in some seniors. High fat meals may also negatively impact the area of the brain which is responsible for short term memory. Foods which are rich in calories may also leads to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in some seniors.

These are some of the startling things which can negatively affect your loved one`s memory. Seniors can make changes in their life and regular routine to ensure a healthy mind and to boosts memory. The following are some of the things a senior can do to enhance his or her memory.


  • Seniors may minimize distractions when focusing or working on a specific task
  • They can organize their things to make sure everything is in place and easier to reach in a hurry
  • Cut down high calorie food and eat healthier foods rich in vitamins to boosts memory
  • Get regular sleep
  • Exercise their mind by playing games which may boosts brain health
  • Physical exercise may also helps in increasing blood flow and reducing stress
  • Drinking green tea may also help seniors in boosting their memory

Author :

Teresa Robinson is fun loving and loves to blog. She is a story teller, a foodie and looks forward to anything adventurous. She is a seasoned writer with experience in writing on any topic that catches her fancy. Currently she is working for Home Care Assistance of Mesa

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