What is memory loss?
Your memory is a component of the brain. It is defined as the faculty of recalling what we have seen, learned, etc.
The memory is a complex function of the brain which encodes, stores and retrieves information. Generally speaking, we can identify two types of memory: short-term and long-term.
Short-term memory temporarily retains information in order to complete a specific task, such as doing mental calculations or playing chess.
Long-term memory stores recent and old memories and also retains the knowledge we acquire over our lifetime (e.g.: Rome is the capital of Italy), as well as learned motor skills (driving a car, playing a musical instrument, playing a sport) and the languages we speak. For more information on how the memory works, visit www.thebrain.mcgill.ca, a site that McGill University is developing.
The following memory troubles are not part of the normal aging process:
- Forgetting how to do things you've done many times before
- Having trouble learning new things that you could have easily learned in the past
- Repeating sentences or facts in the same conversation
- Having trouble making choices or handling money
- Experiencing changes in your conduct
- Forgetting your good manners
- Losing interest in day-to-day activities and not looking after yourself
A simple memory lapse or a more serious memory problem?
It’s usually just the little things that you tend to forget. But for a lot of people, memory lapses can be a cause for concern. As a general rule, having trouble remembering things should only worry you if it happens frequently, is something new, or is getting worse and hindering your day-to-day activities (handling your finances, taking your medication). In these circumstances, it is advisable to discuss the situation with your doctor.
Forgetfulness usually stems from not paying attention (thinking of your grocery list while your daughter is speaking to you), or occurs when information is conveyed too quickly (not enough time to absorb it properly) or when the information in your memory is temporarily inaccessible (but comes to you later). This is all part of normal memory function, in younger and older people alike.
