what causes memory loss?

Question

i have a granduncle whos memory has been getting a lot worse lately.he sometimes...actually a lot of times repeats certain things that he has mentioned earlier.once his daughter fell down the stairs in her work place and hurt herself so she couldnt go to work for a while.she called and told her parents of course.when they came over to her house he asked her why she wasnt at work.she said she had already told him earlier that she wasnt well.he then asked her whether it was a fever or a flu she was having.he actually put his hand on her forehead to see if she had a fever.so she had to tell him again that she had actually fallen down.
its really sad to see him that way.what sort of disease could cause it.

by the way he isnt really that old.he is around 70something.and he is pretty active and healthy.its only his memory that is the problem

Answer 1

People usually automatically associate memory loss with aging. The truth is (at least, according to current research) most American elderly people are healthy and robust. There is only a slight decline with their intellectual capabilities; they are still able to learn new things, but perhaps just a little slower.

In regards to memory, there are three primary types of memory. They are: sensory, short-term (or "working"), and long-term memory. It is usually the "short-term" memory that suffers the most with aging. An example of short-term memory is remembering the phone # you just looked up a minute ago in the phone book. Your grand-uncle seems to exhibit this type of memory loss. Every time his daughter explains her reason for being home, he soon forgets it. However, if you ask him about something specific in his childhood, he will most likely remember.

As for the disease that could cause such memory loss....the "big one" is Alzheimer's disease. This condition consist of plaques that gradually build up in the brain preventing the brain cells (neurons) from transmitting information smoothly and properly. Dementia is also another condition that exhibits memory loss. Of course, the best way for determining if there is a medical problem with your grand uncle is to bring him to his primary care physician for diagnostics exams and an overall health check-up.

Yes, it's very difficult to see someone you care about in this type of state. An important thing to remember is that they can still live a great life with the support and patience of their friends and family. Hope this helps....

Answer 2

His age is a big factor in this case. But elderly people don't all lose their memory.Most likely he is developing alzheimers disease which is common in some elderly. They have just recently developed a way to find out if someone has this disease but it is still being developed. There is a way to check fluid on the spine to see whether a person has alzheimers disease.He should see his doctor and you could do some research on Alzheimers disease. Another more serious disease that causes memory loss is dementia.But old age can account for some forgetfulness as far as I can remember anyway,lol.Good luck and pray for him, ...I will !!

Answer 3

Your uncle needs to see a neurologist to determine if this could be the beginning of dementia. If diagnosed early enough, medicine such as ariacept is available and can slow down the process. He could be having little TIA (mini strokes), but please get him to the Dr. as soon as you can. You uncle will be in our prayers.

Answer 4

If u do not put ur body parts to active use, they start malfunctioning. Brain is no exception. It is known as old age senility.

Answer 5

decayed electrical impulse channels

Answer 6

Is he on a new medication? or depressed?
Find out okay?

Answer 7

here's some info!

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blpnet/article.html?article_id=35484