A note from our November newsletter

One last word: Remember to get up and get moving:

Exercise for 1/2 hour daily like walking or jogging helps improve memory. Care For Life will help you evaluate your physical and emotional challenges and work with you to resolve any problems you are experiencing. Our wonderful caregivers can provide you companionship and help you get up and get out of the house for some sunshine and fresh air.

article from our November newsletter.

Always Consult your Medical Professional when things don’t seem right to you.

Are you forgetting something you know you should know?

It’s normal for nearly everyone to become more forgetful as he or she ages. But how can a family memberdistinguish normal absent-mindedness from something more serious? Don’t panic. Here are some common, but usually treatable, causes of memory loss, any one of which could be the culprit to ask your doctor about.

Singing the blues? It could be Depression . Memory loss can be a sign of major depression. Dr. Majid Fotuhi, assistant professor of neurology at John Hopkins, says that patients with major depression can be forgetful and may have trouble initiating tasks or making decisions. “A patient suffering from depression exhibits a lack of attention and concentration,” says Fotuhi. If you have more frequent crying spells, a loss of interest in hobbies or friends, or excessive anxiety for a few weeks or more, call your doctor.

Chemical Warfare? It could be the Side Effects of Your Medication . “Side effects from medications could range from small to moderate,” says Dr. Kristoffer Rhoads, PhD, director of the Memory Clinic at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. According to Rhoads, there are over 120 prescription medications that could affect your memory. Most frequently, they include anti-depressants, cold and flu medications, and sleeping pills. If you notice any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or suffer from memory loss or confusion. call your doctor. Ask for an appointment to review all the meds you are taking.

Flustered by Food? It could be Nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin D or B-12. Nutritional deficiencies can wreak havoc on the body. “Follow a balanced diet that includes protein,” says nutritionist Marissa Lippert, RD. Eat whole grain products, use soy milk, and lowfat cheese. People with higher blood levels of vitamin B12 were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage and dementia. Ask your doctor to check your blood to see if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

One last word: Remember to get up and get moving: Exercise for 1/2 hour daily like walking or jogging helps improve memory. Care For Life will help you evaluate your physical and emotional challenges and work with you to resolve any problems you are experiencing. Our wonderful caregivers can provide you companionship and help you get up and get out of the house for some sunshine and fresh air.