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