Q: Is short-term memory the same as working memory?
A: Because aspects of working memory and short-term memory overlap, they are sometimes used interchangeably. But, generally, they are thought of as two distinct types of memory. Short-term memory is, as the term implies, information that is held on to for a very brief amount of time. Some scientists suggest that information stored in short-term memory may last for 30 seconds or less. You might overhear a bit of conversation in a crowded restaurant, but unless what is said is of particular interest, the information will soon be gone from your memory. Information in working memory tends to last a little longer—perhaps several minutes or more. But the main distinction is that information in your working memory is there to be applied or manipulated, such as the instructions to complete a task. Shortterm memory usually just refers to the brief storage of small amounts of information not meant for further use.
Q: Is masked hypertension the opposite of white-coat hypertension, and are they equally dangerous?
A: Both conditions can raise the risk of stroke, heart disease, and injury to the brain and other organs. In simple terms, masked hypertension is high blood pressure that is not apparent during a doctor’s appointment, though you may have high blood pressure at other times. White-coat hypertension is high blood pressure that can be measured at the doctor’s office, but does not register with home or ambulatory monitoring. Research suggests that masked hypertension carries the same risk as sustained (“unmasked”) high blood pressure, whether or not you are being treated for hypertension. However, white-coat hypertension is more of a risk factor for people who are untreated compared with those are being treated for high blood pressure. White-coat hypertension is often attributed to increased stress that accompanies a doctor appointment. The likely causes of masked hypertension aren’t as well understood.
Q: My mother died nearly two years ago, and my 81-year-old father has been sad and grieving ever since. I’ve also noticed his memory and judgment seem to be changing. Could that be depression, early dementia, both?
A: There is no typical timeline for grieving or for how much it might impact a person’s mood and cognition. While grief often lasts a few months before a person can start to move on, it’s not unusual for a widower or widow to experience prolonged grief. However, long-term grief can lead to depression, especially in older adults. People experience depression differently, which means that symptoms can differ somewhat from one person to another. Persistent sadness is certainly a common characteristic of depression, but depression can also trigger problems with memory, decision-making, and other thinking skills—especially among older adults. As to your question, it’s important to understand that, among older adults, symptoms of depression and dementia can overlap. This sometimes makes it more challenging to arrive at a precise diagnosis. If your father hasn’t seen a mental health professional yet, consider accompanying him to grief counseling or to see a therapist who specializes in helping older adults. If the memory changes are especially concerning, and perhaps affecting his daily functioning, you may want to talk with your father’s primary care physician about cognitive testing or see a neurologist or neuropsychologist for a more comprehensive screening.
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