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About Memory Lapses
Memory lapses during menopause can have troubling effects on a woman who experiences them. She may even feel as though she´s losing her mind. Generally, her worries are unwarranted. Sure, she may routinely forget where she left her car keys (the classic example), but memory lapses are a completely normal and often treatable symptom of menopause.
One study found that women going through menopause are 95% more likely to experience memory lapses than women who have not yet reached menopause. Continue reading to find out more about memory lapses, the types, functions, and common symptoms of memory lapses.
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Definition of Memory Lapses
Webster´s Dictionary defines memory as "the mental capacity or faculty of retaining or recalling facts, events, impressions or previous experiences". Memory lapses, then, are fleeting periods when a person loses the mental capacity or faculty of retaining or recalling information.
Many women between the ages of 45 and 55 report memory problems as they approach menopause. These problems generally take form as blips of forgetfulness, when a woman fails to recall details such as names and dates, especially details that were just learned.
Because memory is an extremely complex mental function, researches are still trying to determine exactly how it works. The key to getting a handle on memory problems is through understanding memory. Read below to learn the different types of memory and which ones are affected by menopausal memory lapses. |
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Types of Memory and their Functions
Memory is often simplified into only two categories: short-term and long-term memory. In fact, there are several types that comprise the extremely complex function of a person´s memory. The different types of memory shown below will give a better idea of the different functions memory serves.
Short-term memory, also called working memory, is the ability to remember information for brief moments, such as a telephone number for the time it takes to dial it. These memories are discarded after the function is completed. Otherwise, the mind would be full of trivial facts. |
How memory works:
Acquisition: Information is imprinted on the short-term memory.
Retention: Information is fixed in the long-term memory (typically during sleep).
Retrieval: Information is recalled from the long-term memory (such as when recalling a childhood memory, for example). |
Recent memory is the ability to recall day to day events and is involved in learning new information.
Sensory memory is the ability to recognize smells, sounds, and sights.
Long-term memory, also knows as remote memory, concerns itself with the more distant past, life events such as childhood events, past vacations or even things that happened a week ago.
Declarative memory is the ability to remember the meaning of words, facts, and a generalized knowledge of the world and autobiographical memories.
Procedural memory is the ability to remember motor skills - knowing how to do things - such as how to walk, ride a bike and eat.
Memory Lapses and Menopause
Two types of memory are affected in women who experience memory lapses: short-term memory and recent memory.
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Women who suffer from memory lapses typically report that they have "brain freeze" when trying to remember where they left their reading glasses, or when they walk into a room to retrieve something they´ve plum forgotten what they went in the room to get. Recollections of names, dates, and addresses can also evade a woman experiencing memory lapses during menopause, especially when she just received that information. Continue reading to learn the symptoms of memory lapses. |
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Symptoms of Memory Lapses
The primary symptom of memory lapses is the inability to recall information at will; but, there are other secondary symptoms of memory lapses as well. They are:
• Forgetting a recent event and remembering it later (for example, skipping an appointment, but
remembering it after the fact).
• "Fuzzy thinking".
• Troubel concentrating
With a better understanding of what memory lapses are, it´s now time to learn what causes them. Click on the following link to read about the causes of memory lapses.
What are the best ways to cope with memory lapses?
Three approaches can be considered for treating memory lapses: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative remedies, and (3) drugs and surgery. Most experts recommend that women begin with the least aggressive approach and move to the next level of treatment only if symptoms persist. Click on treatments for memory lapses to discover the best route to relief.
Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.
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