Causes of Memory Loss

Memory loss may begin innocently by forgetting your house keys or being unable to remember someone’s name. Fortunately, memory loss is not inevitable and can be circumvented by taking preventive measures. The first step is in identifying the possible causes of memory loss. Some common causes of memory loss include old age, trauma, smoking, alcohol abuse and medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Stress

It is more difficult to recall or learn something when you are feeling stressed, tired, anxious or angry – symptoms of overworking your mind. The human body is built to protect itself, and this could be a possible cause of memory loss as your mind is handling more than enough already. In order to deal with this, make an effort to give yourself a break. You will find that you are able to remember more easily when your mind is alert and well-rested. This allows you to pay greater attention and commit more to memory.

Healthy stress will provide you with a challenge, whilst unhealthy stress can make learning more difficult. Working under stress is a cause of memory loss as your mind has too many things to cope with, and may not be a symptom of dementia. For pregnant women experiencing stress, the child may face learning difficulties and shrink part of the mind that is related to memory.

Amnesia

Amnesia occurs when one’s memory is affected, due to either organic or functional causes.  Brain damage through physical trauma or diseases is a common organic cause, whilst functional causes include psychological elements such as the body’s defense mechanisms. Traumatic amnesia occurs due to head injuries, and the period of memory loss is related to the degree of injury.  Psychogenic amnesia, an example of a functional cause of amnesia, is an adaptive response that enables children to survive by repressing memories, thus maintaining an attachment to someone that has abused them.

Dementia

Dementia is a cause of memory loss due to old age. Depending on the extent of dementia, it may be reversible if it has not reached an advanced stage. Common identifiers of dementia include a change in the character of the person suffering from it, and some experience delirium as well. Dementia can be detected and cured through regular blood tests which identify cues which can be corrected to doctors, through the prescription of folic acid, calcium, vitamin B12 etc.

Money will be spent and forgotten, but memories do live on. Above are some of the causes of memory loss, and by pursuing a healthy lifestyle you can circumvent memory loss. Take steps to ensure that your memories are preserved!