Did you know that taking certain medications, ignoring medical conditions like depression, or not getting enough vitamin B12 can each contribute to memory loss. But you can take steps now to reduce or reverse memory problems. Here are three ways you can lose your memory, and what you can do to stop it from happening in the first place.

Older adults make up just 12 percent of the U.S. population, but they receive about 30 percent of all prescriptions written. It’s important to know that as people age, the natural changes occurring within the body make adverse effects from certain medications much more likely to happen.

For example, the kidneys, which remove drugs from our bloodstreams and the liver, which metabolizes drugs, may not function as quickly in older people, which can raise the toxicity levels of some medicines. Add to this the fact that older adults typically take an average of more than five prescription drugs and three over-the-counter drugs at the same time, and this significantly raises the risk of drug interactions. What’s been discovered in geriatric clinics is that one of the most common causes of reversible dementia is an adverse reaction to medications.

Some other medications called anticholinergics are also known to cause memory problems in older people. These include certain treatments for allergies, anxiety, asthma, depression, overactive bladder, pain, inflammation, and Parkinson’s disease, and are often an ingredient in “p.m.” sleeping pills sold over the counter. Some sedatives and sleep medications also can cause memory problems or even accelerate cognitive decline among people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The cognitive changes of dementia—impairment of memory, learning, attention and concentration—can also occur in people who are depressed, making the diagnosis of dementia more difficult. In fact, depression and cognitive decline often occur together.

It is often the case that older people are suffering from depression, not dementia, if there’s a prior history of psychiatric illness, a sudden onset of cognitive symptoms, difficulty sleeping, or a rapid decline in the ability to perform everyday activities. Because depression and dementia can be difficult to distinguish, some physicians may suggest starting antidepressant therapy and then reassess the patient for dementia several months later.

A number of medical conditions can lead to memory loss, and in some instances, treating the underlying illness can reverse or reduce the memory deficit. These conditions include:

• Hormonal imbalances from thyroid disease or Cushing’s disease

• Deficiencies of certain vitamins, especially vitamin B12

• Infectious diseases such as AIDS, syphilis, and chronic meningitis

Even more challenging for some elderly people is the development of delirium in the hospital after surgery which is seen by signs and symptoms of drowsiness, inattention and other cognitive changes. Delirium increases the risk of long-term cognitive problems, including dementia. After surgery these problems may be the result of sedatives, pain relievers, anesthesia as well as the physical stresses of surgery.

The problem of memory loss among people as they age is challenging as it does not follow a set pattern or rulebook and every situation is unique. However, before thinking that a loved one is showing signs of memory loss and jumping to any conclusions, have a medical professional such as a geriatric neurologist or geriatric physician review all prescription and over the counter medicines being taken, and if surgery has been involved, look at other possible causes of the problem.

Ron Kauffman is a consultant and expert speaker on issues of aging, Medicare and Obamacare. Ron is the author of “Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease,” available as a Kindle book on Amazon.com. He may be contacted at 828-696-9799 or by email at drron561@gmail.com.