Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet

ISSN: 1539-8285 (Print) 1539-8293 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/wchi20

Memory Loss: A Webliography

Jeffrey A. Gluff, Priscilla L. Stephenson & Mary Virginia Taylor

To cite this article: Jeffrey A. Gluff, Priscilla L. Stephenson & Mary Virginia Taylor (2019)
Memory Loss: A Webliography, Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, 23:2, 195-204, DOI:
10.1080/15398285.2019.1614817

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/15398285.2019.1614817

Published online: 12 Jul 2019.

Submit your article to this journal

Article views: 22

View related articles

View Crossmark data

Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at

https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=wchi20
JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET
2019, VOL. 23, NO. 2, 195–204
https://doi.org/10.1080/15398285.2019.1614817

WEBHEALTH TOPICS
Priscilla L. Stephenson and Mary Virginia Taylor, Column Editors

Memory Loss: A Webliography

Jeffrey A. Gluffa, Priscilla L. Stephensona, and Mary Virginia Taylorb
a
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA; b(Retired) Overton Brooks VA Medical
Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
Memory loss is often the failure, or inability, to recall past Memory; memory loss; mild
events or knowledge. The loss of memory can be partial or cognitive impairment;
total. The facets of memory loss encompass forgetfulness, dementia;
Alzheimer’s disease
amnesia, impaired memory, and total loss of memory.
Forgetfulness is generally mild and is experienced by almost
everyone at some point during life. Amnesia is complete loss
of memories, such as name and personal history. Most mem-
ory loss occurs as part of the normal aging process, but mem-
ory loss may also occur because of mild cognitive impairment,
medication or brain damage following disease or trauma. This
article will introduce conditions contributing to memory loss
and useful resources which may provide needed support.

Introduction
Age associated memory loss
In healthy adults, aging can contribute to the decline of various aspects of
memory performance. Varying diagnostic classifications have been pro-
posed for use in the characterization of mild cognitive disorders associated
with aging. Of these classifications, one of the most significant is age-asso-
ciated cognitive decline, or AACD. Epidemiological data suggest that
AACD is a phenomenon of normal aging, rather than a sign of progression
from normal aging to a pathological state such as Alzheimer’s disease
(Deary et al. 2009). At present, however, AACD does not appear to
describe any distinct group of individuals. Furthermore, the approaches
used to diagnose AACD appear to be unclear. Thus, AACD appears to
occur in a highly diverse, wide-ranging group of individuals and is not spe-
cific to a certain group.

CONTACT Jeffrey A. Gluff Jeffrey.Gluff@va.gov James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Primary Care Annex,
13515 Lake Terrace Lane, Tampa, FL, 33637, USA.
Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Priscilla L. Stephenson
(Priscilla.Stephenson@va.gov) and Mary Virginia Taylor (mvtaylor48@bellsouth.net).
Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/wchi.
ß 2019 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
196 J. A. GLUFF ET AL.

Delirium
Delirium is characterized by an acute disturbance in cognition or mental
capabilities and reduced awareness of the environment, usually resulting
from an underlying medical condition or from medication or drug with-
drawal. Delirium affects one-third of patients over age 70 treated in hospi-
tals, and two-thirds of older patients evidence delirium after major surgery
(HealthinAging.org 2017). Patients with delirium can present with agita-
tion, disorientation, withdrawal, and psychosis. This variation in presenta-
tion can lead to diagnostic confusion.
Both delirium and dementia involve memory loss and problems with
language, making them difficult to diagnose (Mace and Rabins
2017, 350–351)
The management of delirium involves identifying and correcting the
underlying problem, as well as managing any behavioral or psychiatric con-
ditions. Under close medical supervision, delirium can be treated with
proper medication. Environmental interventions, including frequent
reorientation of patients by nursing staff and education of patients and
families, should be employed in all cases (Mace and Rabins 2017, 350–351).

Dementia
Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the
brain and cause significant problems with cognitive function, including
memory loss. Although risk for dementia increases as people age, and most
types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), occur mostly in the
elderly, not everyone who ages has dementia, and not every mild memory
problem is a sign of impending dementia. When a person has dementia,
the loss of cognition, memory, and reasoning reaches a point where the
individual eventually cannot carry out everyday activities.
Although dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely
known, there are other possible causes of dementia. Some of these condi-
tions include vascular dementia, which is caused by changes in blood sup-
ply to the brain from strokes; degenerative neurological disease; infections
of the central nervous system; traumatic brain injuries; long time use of
drugs or alcohol; and certain types of hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in
the brain. Some people – particularly older people – have both Alzheimer’s
and vascular dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, typically
begins with subtle and poorly recognized failure of memory (often called
 JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 197

mild cognitive impairment or MCI) and slowly becomes more severe until
it eventually becomes incapacitating. Over time, people who have
Alzheimer’s disease lose their memory and ability to concentrate.
Orientation to space and time become increasingly difficult, and it is also
harder for them to manage on their own in everyday life. Those affected
need more support as the disease progresses.
A significant indicator of AD is the inability to remember information
the person has recently learned, such as being unable to remember a lunch
appointment with friends. Existing memories may also be altered, such as
leaving the house to take a familiar route and then becoming confused.
Other common findings include confusion, poor judgment, language dis-
turbance, visual complaints, agitation, withdrawal, and hallucinations.
Occasionally, seizures, Parkinsonian symptoms, increased muscle tone,
myoclonus, incontinence, and mutism occur.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease, meaning that early symp-
toms are mild but slowly become worse. A person who has AD eventually
requires round-the-clock care to help with nutritional and hygiene needs
and for personal safety. Death usually results from general exhaustion, mal-
nutrition, and pneumonia. The typical clinical duration of the disease is
eight to ten years, with a range of from one to 25 years. Approximately
95% of all AD is late onset (age >60-65 years) and 5 percent is early onset
(age <60-65 years). (InformedHealth.org 2017).

Drug effects
Several commonly used therapeutic medications, and some recreational
drugs, are known to cause memory disturbances. Benzodiazepines are the
best-known examples of drugs that cause drug-induced amnesia. Although,
as a class, benzodiazepines act rapidly and are well tolerated, their use con-
tinues to be associated with memory impairment. Benzodiazepines are
most often prescribed as antianxiety medication, but the effects linger lon-
ger in the elderly, putting them at high risk for memory loss, as well as
falls and motor vehicle accidents (Neel 2015). Discontinuation of medica-
tions causing memory disturbance is usually adequate, and individuals usu-
ally recover rapidly. Memory training exercises may also accelerate the
recovery process.

Mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are common problems in
the elderly. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the term for individuals
who fall between the cognitive changes of aging and early dementia. They
198 J. A. GLUFF ET AL.

have objective evidence of cognitive impairment that represents a decline

from the past, but they function independently or nearly so in their daily
lives in a manner that is indistinguishable from the past. Impairment in the
elderly is a common condition and, in most instances, primary care pro-
viders are the first point of contact for a patient and family. In persons
over the age of 70 years, 14% present with enough cognitive impairment to
warrant a diagnosis of dementia, and an equal number have mild but
unequivocal cognitive impairment short of dementia (Knopman and
Petersen 2014). Individuals with mild to severe dementia are generally
brought to medical attention out of necessity.
Both mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are characterized by
objective evidence of cognitive impairment. The prognosis for mild cogni-
tive impairment and mild dementia is an important motivation for diagno-
sis, as in both, there is a heightened risk for further cognitive deterioration.
(Knopman and Petersen 2014). There are no approved pharmacological
treatments for mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. If a patient is
having difficulty in independently managing medications, finances or trans-
portation, diagnosis and intervention are necessary to ensure the health
and safety of the patient.

Consumer web resources for memory loss

Alzheimer’s association. Explore alz-org
https://www.alz.org/about/explore-alz-org
The Alzheimer’s Association supports research for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Explore Alz-org” is their web site for patient and family support. Various
pages provide information on the basics of the disease as well as useful
information on drug therapy, alternative therapies, dealing with behavior
changes, and changes in sleep patterns. The section on the stages of
Alzheimer’s helps to differentiate this condition from mild cognitive
impairment and explains the developmental changes to be expected at each
stage of deteriorating mental status.

BrightFocus foundation. Alzheimer’s disease

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers
BrightFocus is a nonprofit organization sponsoring research on
Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The Alzheimer’s
page provides a general overview of the disease and guidance on healthy
living with Alzheimer’s, including diet and exercise suggestions. Other sec-
tions include support tips for caregivers and recommendations for online
 JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 199

support groups. The page has a link to the Alzheimer’s Disease

Research Foundation.

Family caregiver alliance. National center on caregiving. Mild cognitive

impairment (MCI)
https://www.caregiver.org/mild-cognitive-impairment-mci
The Family Caregiver Alliance was founded in 1970 in San Francisco
and was the first U.S. community-based nonprofit organization to address
the needs of those providing long-term care for loved ones at home. The
National Center on Caregiving is the research-support arm of the Alliance.
The causes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are not clearly understood,
but some of the same risks for developing Alzheimer’s have also been iden-
tified as risks for MCI. This site helps to distinguish between MCI and
Alzheimer’s disease by describing the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for
MCI. The site provides a lengthy list of suggestions for coping with MCI –
both for those personally afflicted with this condition and for their family
members. There is a section identifying health education resources, includ-
ing webinars and videos for both caregivers and health professionals. A list
of more than 100 fact sheets provides practical information on related
health topics, caregiving strategies, and statistics. Most are in English, but a
number are also available in Spanish, and others are in Korean, Chinese,
and Vietnamese.

Mayo clinic: Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/mem-
ory-loss/art-20046518
The Mayo Clinic provides a highly reputable series of web pages with
consumer health information such as this one on memory loss. There are
numerous sites with memory games and suggestions for ways to improve
memory. Mayo Clinic’s site provides a list of tested remedies for keeping
mentally active. Physical activity, tackling new skills, social activity, healthy
nutrition and sleep patterns, household organization, and management of
chronic health conditions will all aid in maintaining memory.

Mayo clinic. Memory loss: When to seek help

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/
memory-loss/art-20046326
This page from the Mayo Clinic discusses several conditions that can
cause loss of memory, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment. It
200 J. A. GLUFF ET AL.

provides a list of potentially reversible causes of memory loss and another

list of indications that it’s time to see a physician regarding memory loss.

MedlinePlus. Memory
https://medlineplus.gov/memory.html
MedlinePlus is the acclaimed consumer health website from the U.S.
National Library of Medicine. This page about memory explains the
various conditions known to contribute to memory loss: Alzheimer’s dis-
ease, other forms of dementia, stroke, depression, head injuries, blood
clots in the brain, and reactions to certain medicines. Like other
MedlinePlus sites, this page presents basic information in a well-organ-
ized arrangement of Easy-to-Read material, a general overview of the
issues involved in diagnosing and treating memory loss, and links to
professional medical information on current clinical trials and relevant
medical studies. Most of the site is also available in Spanish. The page
also links to patient handouts on memory loss, mental status testing,
and tips for remembering (See Figure 1).

National institute of neurologic disorders and stroke. Dementia information

page: What research is being done?
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dementia-
Information-Page
This site provides a concise view of the current status of
dementia research with sections on definition, treatment, prognosis, and
clinical trials. Additional sections link to patient organizations and
publications

National institute on aging. Cognitive health

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health
The NIH is actively involved in research and outreach for various aspects
of aging, including this site about cognitive health. The site provides a ser-
ies of links to current reports of medical breakthroughs in the news and
sections on prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and risks to cognitive health.
The Brain Resources page provides a toolkit with PowerPoint presentations,
PDF brochure files, and other information resources useful for patient edu-
cation and support on a variety of memory-related conditions (See
Figure 2).
 JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 201

Figure 1. MedlinePlus - memory.

UpToDate. Patient education. Dementia (including alzheimer disease)

(beyond the basics)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dementia-including-alzheimer-disease-
beyond-the-basics
UpToDate is known primarily as a clinical information database for
health care professionals, but it also provides equally well-respected patient
education information available without a subscription fee. The article
about dementia is one of UpToDate’s “Beyond the Basics” patient educa-
tion pages. It includes an overview of dementia and short descriptions of
its variant forms: Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy
bodies, Parkinson disease dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other
causes of dementia such as alcoholism and repetitive sports injuries.
This site discusses the significant safety risks involved in daily living for
those afflicted with dementia: driving, cooking, wandering, falls, and medi-
cations may all require immediate intervention from others involved in
202 J. A. GLUFF ET AL.

Figure 2. National institute of health - cognitive health.

caring for dementia patients. Other sections of the site discuss medications
and treatments for the social and behavioral issues common to dementia
sufferers. The site includes suggestions for caregivers, including joining
support groups and seeking respite care when available.

Veterans health library. Living with dementia

http://www.veteranshealthlibrary.org/LivingWith/AgingVeterans/Dementia/
The Veterans Health Library from the Veterans Health Administration is
an excellent source of consumer health information on several topics. It
features over 20 separate pages on issues relating to dementia – including
symptoms, treatment, and guidance for caregivers. The information is writ-
ten in an easy-to-understand style and will answer questions for both
patients and their caregivers. Examples of the dementia pages include:
“Myths and Facts about Dementia,” which aims to address common mis-
conceptions about dementia, such as whether Alzheimer’s disease is the
same as dementia (it isn’t). “Caring for Dementia: Legal and Financial
Planning” provides matter-of-fact guidance on preparing a financial plan
and providing the needed legal documents (e.g., durable power of attorney)
for those providing care of the patient with dementia. “Caring for
 JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 203

Figure 3. Living with dementia – veterans health library.

Dementia: Communicating with Your Loved One” provides helpful tips

in communicating and caring for with the patient with dementia (See
Figure 3).

Conclusion
Memory loss has many forms, and most of us know someone suffering
from dementia or another of the more debilitating forms of memory loss.
This list of resources may assist caregivers and patients afflicted with mem-
ory problems. Although web resources are significant tools, they should
complement medical therapies. There are numerous online resources for
those dealing with memory loss, and this collection of reputable web sites
should provide a beginning point for those seeking answers to improved
quality of life for themselves or their family members.
204 J. A. GLUFF ET AL.

References
Deary, I. J., J. Corley, A. J. Gow, et al. 2009. “Age-Associated Cognitive Decline.” British
Medical Bulletin 92 (1):135–52. Accessed April 22, 2019. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldp033.
HealthinAging.org. 2017. “Delirium: Basic Facts.” Accessed April 21, 2019. https://www.
healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/delirium/basic-facts.
InformedHealth.org. 2017. “Alzheimer’s Disease: Overview.” Cologne, Germany: Institute
for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Accessed March 31, 2019. https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279360/#i2219.introduction.
Knopman, D. S., and R. C. Petersen. 2014. “Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild
Dementia: A Clinical Perspective.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings 89 (10):1452–9. Accessed
April 12, 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.06.019.
Mace, N. L., and P. V. Rabins. 2017. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for
People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss. 6th ed.
Baltimore (MA): Johns Hopkins University Press.
Neel, A. B. 2015. “10 Drugs that May Cause Memory Loss.” AARP. Brain Health &
Wellness. Accessed April 18, 2019. https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-05-
2013/drugs-that-may-cause-memory-loss.html#quest1