Understanding and Addressing Everyday Memory Lapses

Everyday forgetfulness, like misplacing keys or not remembering names, is often mistaken for early signs of dementia. Neuroscience experts highlight that early cognitive changes might be reversible if addressed timely.

Dr. Tommy Wood, a pediatrics and neuroscience professor at the University of Washington, explains that minor memory lapses are commonly due to stress or tiredness, rather than the onset of a neurodegenerative disease. He stated, “For most people, it’s because you’re stressed or you’re tired and weren’t paying attention.”

Understanding Memory Loss

Memory formation occurs in three stages: encoding (forming a memory), consolidation (storing it), and retrieval (accessing it). Changes in cognition due to aging are not guaranteed. Taking proactive measures early can maintain or restore brain function.

When stressed or sleep-deprived, the problem usually lies in retrieval. The memory is present but accessing it becomes challenging. In contrast, those with a neurodegenerative disease often fail to encode the memory initially. Dr. Wood noted that if you notice something is amiss, it’s usually a positive sign.

Preventable Risk Factors and Reversibility

Dementia impairs cognitive function, severely affecting daily life independence, with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia making up 70% to 90% of cases. Research shows that altering lifestyle and health factors could prevent at least half of dementia cases.

Key risks include heart and metabolic health issues, hearing, and vision loss. Addressing physical issues, such as using hearing aids or cataract surgery, directly decreases the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Wood emphasizes, “Believing that prevention is possible encourages engaging in processes to prevent decline.”

Reversible Causes of Cognitive Symptoms

Commonly reversible causes include vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, medication side effects, mental health conditions, and metabolic or kidney issues. Managing physical health, like controlling high blood pressure and maintaining physical activity, directly reduces cognitive decline risks.

Cleveland Clinic stresses early intervention upon noticing changes in “brain fog” or executive function. Dr. Wood remarked, “How your brain functions daily reflects everything your brain is handling. If you notice something, there is time to make changes.”

Khloe Quill writes for Fox News Digital, covering topics like health, travel, and lifestyle.