Memory loss can often result from things that can be controlled by the patient or physician. Depression, certain medical conditions, and medication side effects are important concerns.
Memory loss resulting from depression. The cognitive changes of dementia--impairment of memory, learning, attention, and concentration--can occur in people who are depressed. A person is more likely to be suffering from depression than dementia if there is a history of psychiatric illness, a rapid onset of cognitive symptoms, difficulties with sleep, or a rapid decline in the ability to perform everyday activities. Because depression and dementia are difficult to distinguish, it may be necessary to start antidepressant therapy and later reassess the patient for the presence of dementia.
Memory loss resulting from medical conditions. A number of medical conditions can lead to memory problems. These conditions include hormonal imbalances owing to thyroid disease or Cushing's disease (overproduction of steroid hormones by the adrenal gland); infectious diseases including AIDS and syphilis; tumors of the frontal or temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex; normal-pressure hydrocephalus (caused by excess fluid in the brain); and deficiencies of certain vitamins, especially B12.
Memory loss as a medication side effect. Although older adults make up only 12 percent of the population, they receive about 30 percent of all prescriptions written in the United States. Unfortunately, as people age, natural changes within the body make adverse effects more likely from medication. More important, however, is the fact that older adults take an average of more than five prescription drugs and three over-the-counter drugs at the same time. In geriatric clinics, the most common cause of reversible dementia is an adverse medication reaction. See a list of medications (PDF) that may impair mental function.
