Memory loss and Aging-causes, prevention and Treatement

Memory loss in old age is quite natural, but some people experience trouble in remembering things even at an early stage. 

There are many contributing factors to memory loss but the overall idea is simple: As you age, your cells begin to show signs of wear and tear. This is manifested in the form of gray hair, wrinkles, joint pain, slower metabolism and of course gradual degradation in cognitive functioning and memory. In the end these things happen to all of us.

Causes of memory loss 

Depression: This is usually common in older adults most likely due to change in one's lifestyle like in case of retirement, loss of a loved one or moving away from home or if one is less social and active than they used to be.

Head injury or tumors: If there is a serious injury to the head it may cause memory impairment and if a tumor occurs in part of the brain involved with memory then impairment occurs. 

Side effects of Drugs and Medication: some medication may cause memory loss for example some painkillers, arthritis, blood pressure medication, sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: This vitamin is vital to proper functioning of the nervous system. The memory loss normally affects short term memory and can be permanent.

It’s no secret that aging and memory loss go hand in hand. In fact as early as your late 20’s and early 30’s you may begin to notice that it’s harder to remember phone numbers, your short-term memory is not as sharp and you’re more prone to absent-minded errors. And by the 40’s most people find that they have to take real measures to ensure that they don’t lose track of the threads that hold their lives together. 

All of this is normal, aging and memory loss happen to everyone. It doesn’t mean that you’re more prone to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It doesn’t mean that you’re eventually going to lose all your memory. It certainly doesn’t mean that you cannot have a healthy, quick mind. 

All it means is that you may want to take steps to keep track of things without having to rely entirely on your memory.

Of course, some people are predisposed to Alzheimer’s and other memory-impairing illness later in life. That’s why if you think your memory loss is more severe than normal; it’s a good idea to bring it up with your doctor.

Countering the effects of Memory Loss

There are some very simple steps you can take to counter the effects of aging and memory loss. Don’t be ashamed to enact some of these measures in your life. Most of them are actually pretty good things to do even if you don’t think you have severe memory problems.

1. Exercise and eat well: Exercising increases the blood supply to your brain which helps regenerate cells and keep things running smoothly.  This is only helped by a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrients, protein, good fats and good cholesterol.

2. Sleep: Much of the brain’s self-repair occurs as we sleep. In fact, the same is true of all of the body’s systems, so if you want to slow the effects of aging and memory loss, sleep at least 8 hours per night.

3.  Use an organizer: Whether you use an old-fashioned datebook or one of the many newfangled computerized organizer programs, keeping track of dates, tasks, schedules and phone numbers in written form will help you keep on top of things. 

4.  Routine: Have routines for where you place things. For example, it helps to always put your keys and your glasses in the same spots.

5. Focus: When taking in new information, avoid multitasking. Focus on the information and internalize it by thinking about it afterward.

6. Learn something new: studies show that activities such as learning an instrument or studying a foreign language can have tremendously positive effects on memory and cognitive functioning.

Memory loss treatment is greatly dependent on the primary cause of the condition. When memory loss is due to a more severe disease, it may be reversed as soon as the core condition is cured. Memory loss due to aging cannot be cured, but the symptoms may be improved by following the above measures.

The good news is that there are some effective memory improvement techniques that help anybody enhance their memory power.