Age-Associated Memory Impairment Strikes Most Over 40

These could be classic signs of AAMI, or age-associated memory impairment. Characterized by temporary memory lapses in otherwise healthy individuals, AAMI may actually affect up to 144 million Americans. A new national survey released today of people age 40 and over who have recently experienced forgetfulness reflects the high prevalence of AAMI; 61 percent of respondents admit their memory is worse than it was 10 years ago.

What's more, the survey, sponsored by General Nutrition Centers, revealed very low awareness of AAMI among those who may suffer from the condition. Although AAMI is a very real condition, the majority of survey respondents -- 71 percent -- had never heard of it and 66 percent were certain they did not suffer from it even though they reported such typical symptoms as forgetting names, phone numbers, day-to-day tasks and even important events.

``This survey brings to light the fact that when it comes to memory problems, many people are in denial -- probably because they think there's nothing they can do about it,'' stated Dr. Jay Lombard, director of the Brain Behavior Center in Rockland County, NY and clinical assistant professor of neurology at Cornell University Medical College at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Indeed, two-thirds (67 percent) of respondents felt their memory is on par with others their age.

In addition, almost four in 10 survey respondents incorrectly thought AAMI was untreatable. The good news is AAMI is both preventable and treatable.

The Problems ... and Solutions

With 24/7 demands, increased workloads and ``e-everything,'' it's not surprising that one-third (34 percent) of survey respondents cited ``stress'' as the primary reason for their memory problems, and 32 percent cited ``information overload.'' The number one cited reason, however, was ``age'' (60 percent).

``Whatever the reason, memory loss is too often simply tolerated.'' said Dr. Lombard. ``If AAMI is the culprit, there are exercises and therapies that can help improve cognitive functioning as we age. Consult your physician for the appropriate therapy.''

    Increase Your Brain Power
    Dr. Lombard recommends the following steps to improve memory:

     --   Avoid routine.  Change will continually challenge your mind.

     --   Seek out as much dialogue, information exchange and personal
          interaction as possible.

     --   Create memory games from everyday experiences, such as grocery
          lists, the street names you pass on your drive home, or network
          television line-ups.

     --   Solve a crossword or some other challenging puzzle every day.

About the Survey

The survey was conducted nationally via telephone interviews of 750 adults about memory loss. The sample represents only those 40 years of age and older who have experienced difficulty remembering things during the past 12 months. All samples represent a diverse mix of age, sex, education, race, geographic region and household income. The survey was fielded by KRC Research & Consulting and underwritten by an education grant from General Nutrition Centers (GNC).

General Nutrition Companies, Inc. (GNC), based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the largest nationwide specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition as well as many personal care and related products. GNC operates more than 4,500 retail outlets throughout the United States and 26 foreign markets including Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. GNC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Numico N.V., a worldwide market leader in specialized nutrition that includes infant and clinical nutrition and nutritional supplements. Headquartered in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, Royal Numico's family of companies includes Boca Raton, Fla.-based Rexall Sundown, Inc., a major supplier of vitamins, herbal and nutritional supplements to the food, drug and mass market, sports nutrition leaders MET-Rx and Worldwide Sport Nutrition, and Unicity Network, the company's multi-level marketing operation which encompasses the former Enrich International and Rexall Showcase International network marketing organizations.

SOURCE: General Nutrition Companies, Inc.