Causes and treatment options for memory loss

Almost everybody experiences occasional memory loss and forgets something or the other. It is no cause for concern and is part and parcel of everyday life. As people age, this memory loss gradually increases. People with Alzheimer’s disease might experience progressive memory loss and are advised to visit a doctor. If memory loss is affecting an individual’s everyday life or if it presents itself with other symptoms, visiting a doctor should be the priority.

If diagnosed early, the condition is treatable and one may expect to have a good quality of life. However, treatment becomes more complicated as one begins to age and as the disease progresses.

What are the causes of memory loss?

• Some common causes of memory loss include the use of certain prescription medication, anxiety, or sleep deprivation along with stress.
• Depression has a role to play in memories loss as it severely impairs concentration and focus.
• A number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription medications may interfere with the functioning of memory and, hence, should not be abused. These medications include antidepressants, antihistamine, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and pain medication administered post-surgery.
• A deficiency in B12 is known to have an adverse effect on memory.
• Smoking tobacco reduces the oxygen that the brain receives and drugs change chemicals in the brain. As a consequence, people who smoke or take drugs may experience a certain amount of memory loss.

Can a head injury or other medical conditions result in memory loss?

• A fall, an accident, or a severe trauma to the head due to an injury during contact sports or by some unfortunate incident, including blunt force trauma, could be a reason for memory loss. It could result in both short-term and long-term loss of memory.
• A stroke may have far-reaching consequences. It occurs when the blood supply to the brain temporarily stops due to a blockage of blood vessels or due to a leakage of a vessel into the brain. A short-term loss of memory is quite common. People may remember what they did as teenagers but might struggle to remember what they ate at breakfast.

What are some treatment options and what’s good for memory loss?

• The cause of a memory loss is directly related to the treatment. For instance, if the cause is medication, a simple reversal or change in medication may have a positive outcome.
• Sometimes, nutritional supplements have been known to improve memory along with treating depression if that happens to be the cause. People may benefit from a therapy after having a stroke and memory may improve over time.
• There are drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions related to memory loss. There are also drugs to treat high blood pressure, which could cause more brain damage from dementia.

How does one cope with memory loss?

• If one finds their memory is failing them, they may take some measures from their end while pursuing treatment. They can use a list for daily chores and keep a checklist of the medication they are taking. People also use pill sorters that can be purchased at a pharmacy. These will help one remember when and what medications must be taken if they are taking any.
• Keeping everything organized and neat in the house may also be helpful. This especially holds true for the address book.
• Trying to be as socially active as possible and engaging in activities one enjoys may help in reducing stress which in turn can help cope with memory loss.
• If things are getting worse, visiting a doctor with a friend or a loved one may be helpful.

What are the foods I may have to avoid memory loss?

• Flax seeds, beans, chia seeds, and berries are very good for the brain as they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 helps build nerve cells and ward off dementia.
• The high concentration of antioxidants in coffee helps ward off degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine also helps aid concentration and is known to make people more alert.
• Broccoli is a vegetable known to be rich in vitamin K and antioxidants. It helps in the formation of sphingolipids that are found in brain cells and help protect the brain from any damage or memory loss.

It is important to understand that memory loss is nothing to despair about. With some help from people close to an individual and doctors, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life.