This is a dramatic twist in many movies. This kind of memory loss is pretty rare. When you forget simple everyday things its annoying. Why does this memory loss occur?
How often have you forgotten your keys? Or walked into a room and forgotten what you went in there for? How often has your child’s excuse been, “I forgot”? Forgetting things is common at any age. There are different kinds of memory loss, from being just distracted and forgetting things to actual amnesia.
Have you ever seen movies where the central plot revolves around memory loss? It is a common, dramatic twist that is quite captivating but, in reality, this kind of memory loss is pretty rare. But, memory loss does occur, and when it does, it can be annoying, scary, and sometimes debilitating. Some reasons for memory loss can be reversible and some can be chronic and irreversible.
Anti-depressants and antihistamines and other kinds of prescription drugs can cause memory loss. It can also lead to mental confusion and loss in concentration. It should be reported to the prescribing physician. They may stop or change the medication, and once that is done, the memory loss usually goes away.
Head Injuries or Head Trauma
Head trauma or concussions can cause short- or long-term memory loss. It can sometimes cause loss of memory of the minutes just before the injury. The memory loss can last from a few minutes to several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury. Memories may return in time.
When the mind is burdened with many problems and issues, you tend to be distracted and forget the mundane. This kind of memory loss is due to emotional upheaval. Talking to a therapist may help, and you may be prescribed medication for mental health.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep is very important for a healthy body. When there is not enough sleep, the mind is fatigued and has trouble remembering things. There is usually some underlying cause for sleep deprivation which needs to be addressed. Once that is treated, the insomnia should go away, and the memory loss will fade.
Chronic Alcoholism
Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications. Stopping drinking will reverse the memory impairment.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamins B1 and B12, can cause memory loss. Load up on food rich in these vitamins like, green peas, nuts, cereals, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in forgetfulness and mental confusion. The thyroid problem needs to be addressed and proper medications taken. Once the thyroid levels are normalized with proper medication, the memory loss and confusion will be reversed.
Brain Tumour
A tumour pressing down on certain parts of the brain can cause memory loss. If and when it is removed, the memory loss may slowly fade.
Memory loss is part and parcel of aging. But there are a number of age-related illnesses that can cause memory loss too. Some of them include:-
Dementia
The word “dementia” is a term used to describe symptoms which include impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language, and other thinking skills. It usually begins gradually, worsens over time, and impairs a person’s abilities in work, social interactions, and relationships.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It destroys memory and other important mental functions.
General Cognitive Impairment
As people age, there is a normal decline in performance on cognitive tasks that require the processing, transformation, or storage of information. This can cause difficulty in remembering things and can affect memory.
A brain specialist will put the patient suffering from memory loss through a battery of tests to find out the cause of the memory loss and prescribe a proper treatment plan.
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