(单词翻译:单击)
Dementia is a scary word. So is senile. Both words conjure up images of being helpless in old age, of losing your memories. Of losing yourself. And the worst thing about losing your mind is that once it's gone, it's gone. You're never the same. Except when that's not the case.
痴呆症是个令人害怕的词。衰老也一样。这两个词呈现给人们的是一幅老来无助，精神错乱，迷失自我的画面。精神错乱最糟糕的地方在于，一旦记忆褪去，就永远消失了。你就再也不是以前的你了。除非另有隐情。
In recent years, doctors and scientists have seen more and more cases where memory loss isn't just a natural consequence of aging. Sometimes it's caused by other things, like medication. The wrong combination of medicine can cause confusion and forgetfulness. So can doses that are too high or too low.
近年来，医生和科学家们遇到的越来越多的案例显示失忆并不只是人类老化的自然结果。有些时候是由于其它原因造成，例如药物作用。错误的药物结合疗法会导致记忆混乱，使人健忘。药物剂量过高或者过低也会造成影响。
And stress is also a factor. Being stressed out can shrink the hippocampus--a part of the brain that helps form and hold onto memories. So how do you know if an elderly parent is suffering from dementia, or if it's a problem with meds or stress?
此外，压力也是一方面的因素。长期的压力也能缩小海马体的尺寸。海马体是大脑内负责形成和掌握记忆的部分。但你怎么知道上了年纪的父母到底是患上了老年痴呆症，还是因为药物或者压力导致了失忆？
First, find out what medication they're taking and learn about possible side effects. And try to find out what's going on in their lives that might be stressful. And, of course, talk with their doctor to see about trying a new medication or changing doses. Because the good news is that if medicine or stress is to blame for memory problems, making a change could solve the problem and help your parent be themselves again.
首先要找到他们服用的药物，尽量了解其副作用。然后试图弄清楚他们生活中承受了什么压力。当然，也要通过与医生的谈话了解父母有没有服用新药，或者有没有更改药剂。令人欣喜的消息是，如果记忆问题归咎于药物或压力，那么稍作改变就能解决问题，让父母重新找到自己。
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