Whether it\u2019s forgetting where you put your keys or no longer remembering the stories of your youth, memory loss is something we all experience.<\/p>\n
The brain is like a pool, explains Douglas Wornell, MD. There\u2019s the tiles, walls and pump system \u2014 and the water that fills it.<\/p>\n
Dementia<\/strong> is like the tiles and pump system, Dr. Wornell says. As pools age, their tiles may crack and the pipes may erode. It\u2019s an irreversible change \u2014 like the brain experiencing anatomical changes over time that result in memory loss.<\/p>\n Delirium<\/strong> is like the water, which must have an ideal chemical balance or it can become toxic, which is often temporary, he says. For the brain, an adverse event, injury or change in environment can cause delirium that lasts hours, days or weeks.<\/p>\n Both dementia and delirium can be startling and even scary to experience. Memory loss and delirium are normal parts of life, though.<\/p>\n The idea of brain fog gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Dr. Wornell explains what people were actually experiencing was a soft form of delirium. Brain fog <\/strong>is a nonmedical term generally used to explain a funny feeling in the brain, and can be associated with any number of adverse causes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt all boils down to the chemistry in the brain. If you\u2019re really upset about something for a few days, you\u2019re more likely to be in a \u2018brain fog\u2019 and have forgetfulness because you\u2019re focused on that event.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Delirium can impact mood, memory, your ability to make choices and virtually any function of the brain, he adds. It\u2019s not serious enough to require emergency care \u2014 more likely it\u2019s something you notice after the fact.<\/p>\n Things such as a new medication, illness, acute alcohol intoxication, a minor injury, a traumatic or significant event (even falling in love), or a change in environment can result in a state of delirium. Even younger adults who experience a big change \u2014 such as moving or starting a new job \u2014 may say they feel like they\u2019re in a \u201cbrain funk,\u201d Dr. Wornell says.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just don\u2019t recognize it as (delirium),\u201d he says. \u201cIt all boils down to the chemistry in the brain. \u2026 If you\u2019re really upset about something for a few days, you\u2019re more likely to be in a \u2018brain fog\u2019 and have forgetfulness because you\u2019re focused on that event.\u201d<\/p>\n Understanding how easily our brain chemistry can shift may provide an explanation for moments of forgetfulness. While many worry that memory loss means they\u2019re developing dementia, Dr. Wornell explains that not all age-related memory loss is cause for concern.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a natural memory loss with aging resulting from actual anatomical changes with your brain,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Thankfully, knowing that memory may become a challenge as you age gives you the power to prepare.<\/p>\n The most dangerous drivers on the road \u2014 after impaired drivers \u2014 are those over the age of 65 making a left turn, Dr. Wornell says. Be cautious and take slower left turns or consider a new route that may be easier to navigate.<\/p>\n Additionally, day-of-the-week medication boxes or other reminder tools can be helpful to stay on track.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re over the age of 60, have ruled out any immediate cause for your memory loss, and it\u2019s becoming a more consistent issue, consult your doctor or other health care provider.<\/p>\n One of the first noticeable symptoms of dementia is often memory loss.<\/p>\n Dementia isn\u2019t one specific disease or condition. For example, the leading cause of dementia in the United States is Alzheimer\u2019s, while in Japan it\u2019s stroke, Dr. Wornell says.<\/p>\n Dementia has a variety of causes, including genetic predisposition, high blood pressure, diabetes or Parkinson\u2019s disease, Dr. Wornell says. In more severe cases, nearly everyone in a family will be diagnosed with dementia.<\/p>\n Beyond memory loss, dementia can have permanent impacts on overall well-being, especially as the disease progresses and the brain undergoes more changes. Other symptoms include difficulty communicating, reduced ability to organize or handle complex tasks, coordination and vision challenges, and psychological changes such as mood swings, anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n While general memory loss is normal and doesn\u2019t always lead to dementia, Dr. Wornell says that being cognizant of your brain chemistry and ensuring you have a healthy lifestyle can help improve longevity.<\/p>\n Taking care of your brain is like maintaining your pool water, Dr. Wornell explains.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about what you can do to keep the pool water the temperature and color you want,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Even a small change in medication can alter the pool chemistry, Dr. Wornell adds. If you start taking Xanax to sleep at night, for example, you may feel brain fog in the morning.<\/p>\n But you can\u2019t always avoid medications, especially if you\u2019re living with other conditions, whether physically or mentally.<\/p>\n Chronic mental illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia, have been linked to progressive memory challenges, Dr. Wornell says. Injuries are also a primary risk factor, including traumatic brain injuries or post-concussive syndrome from high-contact activities like military service or sports.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have those injuries, especially when you\u2019re young, the scarring will still be there when you\u2019re 60 and put you more at risk,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n Lifestyle is another big one, Dr. Wornell adds. Cigarettes, drugs and alcohol are all connected to the development of progressive brain disease. A lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle, as well as diet (especially consuming a large amount of processed foods) can also impact your brain\u2019s health.<\/p>\n So, keep your pool water clean and balanced by exercising regularly, avoiding harmful substances and reducing your risk for injury.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether it\u2019s forgetting where you put your keys or no longer remembering the stories of your youth, memory loss is something we all experience. The brain is like a pool, explains Douglas Wornell, MD. There\u2019s the tiles, walls and pump system \u2014 and the water that fills it. Dementia is like the tiles and pump […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":115,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[127,87,99,107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-nutrition-wellness","category-primary-care","category-stroke-neuro"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBrain fog is actually a form of delirium<\/h2>\n
Memory loss is normal<\/h2>\n
Dementia has many causes<\/h2>\n
Caring for your brain<\/h2>\n