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What Causes Poor Memory And Tiredness In An Elderly Person?
my husband is 70 yrs old, has been in good health until lately. he is sometimes mentally not completely present - just kind of stares at you. he is very active, but stumbles some at our work- we rebale hay for horse owners - round bales to small squares. he is forgetting appointments, schedules, and such and says it is his having so much on his mind, which is somewhat true, as we are under a lot of financial strain trying to make a living and keep the wolves off the porch. he recently went on a chlorlestoral lowering drug which is making him excessively tired, too. any ideas?
Tue, 2 May 2023
Hi,
There are many potential causes of poor memory and tiredness in elderly people. Some common causes include:
* Age-related cognitive decline: As people age, it is normal for their memory and other cognitive functions to decline. This can be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, and other factors.
* Medications: Some medications can cause fatigue and cognitive problems as side effects. For example, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are known to cause fatigue in some people.
* Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can cause fatigue and poor memory. If your husband is snoring or having difficulty sleeping, it may be worth discussing this with his doctor.
* Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 or iron, can cause fatigue and cognitive problems.
* Depression: Depression is common in older adults and can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
* Anxiety: Anxiety can also cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
* Other medical conditions: Many medical conditions can cause fatigue and cognitive problems, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and diabetes.
Given your husband's age and recent medication change, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with his doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions or medication side effects. The doctor may also recommend tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or sleep disorders. In addition, reducing stress and ensuring adequate sleep may help improve his symptoms.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
There are many potential causes of poor memory and tiredness in elderly people. Some common causes include:
* Age-related cognitive decline: As people age, it is normal for their memory and other cognitive functions to decline. This can be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, and other factors.
* Medications: Some medications can cause fatigue and cognitive problems as side effects. For example, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are known to cause fatigue in some people.
* Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can cause fatigue and poor memory. If your husband is snoring or having difficulty sleeping, it may be worth discussing this with his doctor.
* Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 or iron, can cause fatigue and cognitive problems.
* Depression: Depression is common in older adults and can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
* Anxiety: Anxiety can also cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
* Other medical conditions: Many medical conditions can cause fatigue and cognitive problems, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and diabetes.
Given your husband's age and recent medication change, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with his doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions or medication side effects. The doctor may also recommend tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or sleep disorders. In addition, reducing stress and ensuring adequate sleep may help improve his symptoms.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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