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Assessing your memory's current state is the initial step toward enhancing it. Explore more brain-related visuals.
Publications International Ltd.Ever exited a shopping center and blanked on your car's location? Or arrived at a store only to draw a blank on your shopping list? Entered a room and couldn’t recall why? Struggled to recall a punchline’s key word?
At 20, such moments might not faze you. By 40, you might fret over 'senior moments' or menopause, considering memory-boosting supplements. At 60, similar lapses could spark fears of Alzheimer's.
Aging increases concerns over memory lapses, and heightened awareness makes every slip more noticeable. In youth, such forgetfulness was common but often ignored. Expecting memory issues makes them more apparent.
Forgetting where you parked or misplaced personal items is typically normal. This phenomenon, termed 'everyday forgetting,' is widespread as it involves routine activities we seldom focus on.
While everyday forgetting is common, some individuals face genuine memory issues that aren't typical. Distinguishing between normal forgetfulness and serious memory problems is crucial.
Proceed to the next page to evaluate your memory's condition with a simple test.
Memory Test
This straightforward memory assessment can help clarify if your memory lapses are typical or warrant concern. Remember, it's a basic test; for a comprehensive evaluation, consult a healthcare professional or psychologist for specialized memory testing.
Simple Memory Test:
1. Memorize these three items: apple, television, lamb
2. Commit this name and address to memory:
3. Have you found it harder than usual to recall recent activities over the past few weeks?
4. Have you found it more challenging to recall items on lists recently?
5. Have you observed a decrease in your mental math skills, like calculating tips or making accurate change?
6. Have you been missing bill payments due to forgetfulness?
7. Have you struggled to recall people's names?
8. Have you had difficulty recognizing familiar faces?
9. Have you struggled to recall the exact word you need in conversations?
10. Have you found it difficult to remember how to perform basic tasks, like operating a microwave or a TV remote?
11. Are memory issues affecting your performance at work?
12. Are memory problems disrupting your daily activities at home?
13. Do memory lapses hinder your ability to function in social settings?
14. Can you list the names of the last three mayors in your town?
15. Can you recall the names of the previous five U.S. presidents?
16. What was the primary dish you ate for dinner over the last two evenings?
17. What are the titles of the last two films you watched?
18. Write down the three words you were instructed to memorize at the start of this quiz.
19. Write down the name and address you were instructed to memorize at the start of this quiz.
Scoring:
Award yourself 1 point for every 'no' response to questions 3-13 (up to 11 points).
Award yourself 1 point for each correct answer in questions 14-19 (up to 21 points).
If you scored:
28-32 Well done! Your memory is above average.
22-27 You're doing alright, but some memory exercises could enhance your recall.
15-21 Your memory could use some strengthening; memory exercises are recommended.
0-14 It might be wise to seek a professional assessment.
For more signs of memory issues, explore the warning signals and assistance options on the following page.
Memory Warning Signs
If you suspect significant memory issues, consult a healthcare professional.Here are common indicators that memory problems may go beyond typical forgetfulness and require medical attention:
- Memory issues impacting work performance or daily activities
- Language difficulties, such as forgetting common words or using incorrect ones
- Getting lost in familiar places or situations
- Confusion about the time, date, season, or year
- Noticeably poor judgment
- Memory problems paired with symptoms like extreme fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies, mood swings, agitation, balance issues, headaches, vision problems, numbness, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Remember, memory issues can stem from various causes, including stress, depression, vitamin deficiencies, or circulation problems, and not all indicate Alzheimer's. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential for unusual or concerning memory problems. Once the cause is identified, it can often be treated, improving memory. Age-related brain changes can also affect memory, and lifestyle or medical factors may contribute to impairment.
How to Get Help If you're genuinely concerned about memory lapses, consult your doctor. They can administer a brief memory assessment or refer you to a psychologist or specialist for comprehensive testing of memory, problem-solving, counting, and language skills. Chances are, the results will reassure you that your memory is on par with others in your age group.
If tests indicate potential memory loss, your doctor will investigate physical causes like alcohol or drug use, sleep disorders, head injuries, or vascular issues such as strokes or artery hardening. They may also check for untreated diabetes or HIV. Be ready to provide details about all medications, herbs, or supplements you take, as some can impact memory.
Your doctor might also order blood and urine tests or a brain CT scan to rule out brain disorders. The scan could reveal normal age-related brain changes, and a follow-up scan might be needed to monitor further changes.
Even if memory issues have a physical cause, practicing memory-enhancing techniques can be beneficial.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Richard C. Mohs, Ph.D., served as vice chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and associate chief of staff for research at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center. With over 300 scientific publications to his name, Dr. Mohs has led extensive research on aging, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive function.
