by Paul Lines

Created on: September 22, 2009

As people move into old age one of the faculties that appear to be the most affected by this passage of time is their memory. The aging process does have an affect upon our ability to remember and the onset of this problem can occur as a result of a number of different causes, some emotional based and others due to physical problems. Many of these can be addressed in an effort to reduce the onset of forgetfulness.

* Psychological and emotional

Psychological and emotional upset can increase memory loss in old age. Predominantly, as the Royal College of Psychiatrists point out, this is because, when concentrating upon our inner feelings, we are less likely to notice what is going on about us. In other words we might make arrangements or need to do something, such as pick up certain shopping items but, because our inner feelings are so concentrated upon our emotional state that the task hasn't registered in the first place.

Boredom, depression and tiredness can also have a psychological impact upon our memory in older years, as can the aging process. Our brain and memory are similar to computers. As we move through life they have to collect an increasing level of data or memories and store these somewhere. Like computers, the more data we commit to the memory the greater level of sorting and searching that needs to be conducted to find that one small memory we are seeking. Therefore, it is no wonder that a person of 70 takes longer to recall certain incidents in their lives than would a person two decades younger.

* Physical conditions

Poor physical health can also increase the likelihood of forgetfulness in the elderly. This includes impairment of hearing and eyesight, which means that our brain and mind in not able to collect the images and sounds that it needs to connect and associated with memories so easily. Similarly, any physical condition which disturbs the supply of oxygen to or the activity of the brain, can damage our memory function. Heart disease and diabetes, as well as lack or exercise is some of the physical conditions that can have this adverse effect upon memory.

The severest form of memory loss in old age is dementia. However, as the Royal college of Psychiatrists indicate, this only affects one in five people over the age of 80. Therefore, sixty percent of us will not automatically suffer from this complaint, which means that we can take action to reduce the impact that the advancing years have upon our memory.

* Potential remedies

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