Contents. Page. Forgetting things 3. Illnesses and physical health 4. Emotional problems 7. How we remember 8. What your GP can do 10

Transcription

1 My memory is bad

2 Contents Page Forgetting things 3 Illnesses and physical health 4 Emotional problems 7 How we remember 8 What your GP can do 10 Mild cognitive impairment 11 Things that help your memory 12 Memory tips 14 What if I have dementia? 15 For more information 17 2

3 Forgetting things Some forgetfulness is a normal part of getting older. It usually is not part of a serious problem like dementia. Dementia is a word that covers many different diseases that affect the brain. People s brains actually shrink in size as they get older even though they are healthy and have no problem with their memory. Older people often take longer to learn new information, such as people s names, or to remember the names of people in photos. With a bit of extra concentration and effort you will be able to remember things later on. 3

4 Illnesses and physical health Some illnesses or medical conditions can cause memory problems, like: Thyroid disease Your thyroid produces chemicals that affect how fast the parts of your body work. Some kidney or liver diseases Your liver takes waste substances out of your blood. Your kidneys also clean your blood. 4

5 A head injury A stroke A stroke is where part of your brain does not get the blood it needs Infections which affect the brain Poor hearing and eyesight 5

6 Some other physical health things can cause memory problems, like: An unhealthy diet Drinking too much alcohol Some medications which we take to help other problems. Talk to your GP If you think these are affecting your memory, then talk to your GP. Poor memory related to physical health conditions, medication and lifestyle can often be improved. 6

7 Emotional problems Emotional problems are about how you feel. They can cause memory problems. You can talk to your GP if you are worried about them. Emotional problems include: Depression Anxiety or worry Bereavement - when someone who was close to you has died Poor sleep 7

8 How we remember There are 3 stages to remembering things: 1. We have to take in what we have heard or seen 2. We then have to concentrate for long enough for the brain to store it 3. Then we have to be able to bring it back from where it has been stored at a later time 8

9 Things can go wrong at any of these stages. If your hearing is bad you might not take in the information in the first place. If you feel depressed or have poor sleep, you may not be able to concentrate so well. All of these situations can make it seem like your memory is poor. 9

10 What your GP can do Your GP will be able to check your physical health by talking to you and examining you They may ask you to go for a blood test If you are depressed, this can be treated with talking treatments and medication If you have a problem with hearing your GP can send you for a hearing test. 10

11 Mild cognitive impairment Mild cognitive impairment is when someone is getting worse with thinking such as: Memory Organising themselves Finding the right word Working things out 11

12 Things that help your memory Eat healthily Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrain cereals, fish and only lean meats. Try to eat less pastries and cakes. Exercise Regular physical activity increases the area of the brain where you remember and learn. Stop smoking If you smoke then try to stop. Your GP can help you stop smoking. x 14 Drink less alcohol You should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol each week. One unit is the same as: A small glass of wine Half a pint of beer or lager One measure of spirits 12

13 Other things to help your memory: Get your hearing and eyesight checked Take your medication regularly as the doctor suggests Learn a new skill like: Playing a musical instrument Learning a language Keep in contact with friends Do mental exercises like: Crosswords Sudoku Word searches 13

14 Memory tips Write reminders to yourself Write lists Make sure you know what day it is Try to keep things in the same place. Think about labelling drawers and cupboards Put your favourite telephone numbers into your phone Medicines Use a pill organiser that sounds an alarm when you need to take a pill. Your local pharmacy can put tablets into a diary pack for you. 14

15 What if I have dementia? If you are worried about dementia you should see your doctor. They can arrange for tests. Your doctor will be able to help you with the different treatments that are available 15

16 Treatments include: Medication Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). This is a group talking treatment which helps the brain with thinking and remembering There are many different types of dementia. Many people with dementia: Continue to live at home, maybe with some support Continue to have a good quality of life 16

17 For more information This resource is part of the MindEd online learning site. For more information please contact:- Web: Easy read by easy-read-online.co.uk with help from Mencap Liverpool 17