As we get older, our memories decline. Some of us may notice our own memories getting worse, or the memories of those around us. This unfortunate reality can happen for many reasons. These include shrinking in specific areas of the brain that control memory formation and retrieval, or generalized brain shrinking, or atrophy. As the brain shrinks with time, the number and volumes of neurons, or brain cells, shrinks, and communication between them gets worse. Other reasons include hormonal changes, loss of proteins that stimulate neural growth, impaired blood flow, increased inflammation, and the effects of lifestyle such as tobacco, alcohol, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and stress.
A major fear of those with impaired memory is dementia. Dementia is a general term that encompasses a group of neurodegenerative processes that directly affect the structure and function of the brain. Dementia has a wide array of contributing factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, chronic illness and chronic inflammation. However, not all memory loss is a result of dementia. If you or someone you know suffers from dementia, the harsh reality of the disease has revealed itself and its severe consequences to both the individual with the condition and all those around them.
For decades, it was thought that there is nothing that can be done for a person with dementia. While it remains a tragic truth that the disease has no cure, it is now known that there are significant things that can be done to minimize one’s risk of developing dementia, as well as drastically reducing the progression of the disease process. Early detection, action and intervention are our best hopes in combating memory loss. At The Memory Center, we utilize cutting-edge diagnostic technology and novel evaluations including blood biomarkers, quantitative electroencephalograms and comprehensive evaluations by multiple medical specialists to give you and your loved ones the most in-depth evaluation available today.
A major concern we have come to see is the children of individuals suffering dementia who wonder about their future risk. This distress is one that we at The Memory Center are fully understanding and empathetic about. We embody the notion that knowledge is power, and with knowledge about one’s risks and prospects, we are able to implement changes that minimize one’s chances of developing memory loss, and maximize the quality of one’s life.
We urge you to visit MemoryCenter.Org, or call us at 201-947-4777 for more information. We empathize with the daunting feelings of seeing memory loss in those around you, or even noticing it within yourself. Let us help you in gaining insight into your condition or the condition of those around you, and with that insight, to implement positive changes that will brighten your future.
Dr. Jeff Shenfeld is the director of the Memory Center of Englewood.
