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There are several causes for memory loss, the main one being anxiety, but it can also be associated with several conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, medication use, hypothyroidism, infections or neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Most causes are preventable or reversible, with lifestyle habits such as meditation, relaxation techniques and memory training, but if in doubt, it is important to consult with a neurologist or geriatrician to investigate the possible causes of memory loss and start the correct treatment.
The main causes of memory loss and the ways to treat them are:
1. Stress and anxiety
Anxiety is the main cause of memory loss, especially in young people, as moments of stress cause the activation of many neurons and regions of the brain, which makes it more confusing and hinders its activity even for a simple task, such as remembering of something.
For this reason, it is common to have a sudden loss of memory, or a lapse, in situations such as an oral presentation, a test or after a stressful event, for example.
How to treat it: the treatment of anxiety makes the memory return to normal, which can be done with relaxing activities, such as meditation, yoga, physical exercise or psychotherapy sessions. For cases of intense and frequent anxiety, it may be necessary to use medications, such as anxiolytics, prescribed by the psychiatrist.
2. Lack of attention
The simple lack of attention in any activity or situation, makes you forget some information much faster, so when you are or are very distracted, it is easier to forget details such as an address, the phone number or where the keys were kept, for example, not necessarily a health problem.
How to treat it: memory and concentration can be trained, with exercises and activities that activate the brain, such as reading a book, taking a new course or, simply, a crossword puzzle, for example. Meditation is also an exercise that stimulates and facilitates maintaining focus.
3. Depression
Depression and other psychiatric diseases such as panic syndrome, generalized anxiety or bipolar disorder are diseases that can cause attention deficit and affect the functioning of brain neurotransmitters, being an important cause for altering memory and, even, may be confused with Alzheimer's disease.
How to treat: treatment with antidepressants or medications directed by the psychiatrist to improve symptoms should be started. Psychotherapy is also important to assist in treatment. Understand how treatment for depression is done.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an important cause of memory loss because, when not properly treated, it slows down the metabolism and impairs brain function.
Generally, memory loss due to hypothyroidism is accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive sleep, dry skin, brittle nails and hair, depression, difficulty concentrating and severe tiredness.
How to treat: The treatment is guided by the general practitioner or endocrinologist, with Levothyroxine, and its dose is adapted to the degree of the disease of each person. Understand how to identify and treat hypothyroidism.
5. Lack of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in vegans without nutritional monitoring, people with malnutrition, alcoholics or people who have changes in the stomach's absorption capacity, as in bariatric surgery, as it is a vitamin that we acquire through a balanced diet and, preferably, with meat . The lack of this vitamin alters brain function, and impairs memory and reasoning.
How to treat: the replacement of this vitamin is done with guidelines of balanced diet, nutritional supplements, or in case of malabsorption by the stomach, with injections of the vitamin.
6. Use of anxiety medications
Some medications can cause a mental confusion effect and impair memory, being more common in those who use sedatives frequently, such as Diazepam and Clonazepam, for example, or it can be a side effect of medicines of various types, such as anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and some medications for labyrinthitis.
These effects vary from person to person, so it is always important to report the medications used to your doctor if you suspect a memory disorder.
How to treat: it is advisable to talk to the doctor to exchange or suspend the possible medications associated with memory loss.
7. Drug use
Excessive alcohol and the use of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, in addition to interfering with the level of consciousness, have a toxic effect on neurons, which can impair brain functions and memory.
How to treat it: it is important to stop using illicit drugs and consume alcohol in moderation. If it is a difficult task, there are treatments that help against chemical dependency, and are advised at the health center.
8. Sleep less than 6 hours
Changing the sleep cycle can impair memory, as the lack of daily rest, which should be, on average, 6 to 8 hours a day, makes it difficult to maintain attention and focus, in addition to impairing reasoning.
How to treat: better sleep can be acquired with regular habits such as adopting a routine for lying down and getting up, avoiding coffee consumption after 5 pm, in addition to avoiding the use of cell phones or watching TV in bed. More serious cases can be treated with anxiolytic drugs, guided by a psychiatrist or family doctor.
Check out what are the main strategies to regulate sleep and when it is necessary to use medicines.
9. Alzheimer's dementia
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease that occurs in the elderly, which impairs memory and, as it progresses, interferes with the ability to reason, understand and control behavior.
There are also other types of dementia that can also cause memory changes, especially in the elderly, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's dementia or Lewy body dementia, for example, which must be differentiated by the doctor.
How to treat: after the disease is confirmed, the neurologist or geriatrician can start anticholinesterase drugs, such as Donepezila, in addition to indicating activities such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, so that the person can maintain their functions as long as possible. Learn how to identify and confirm whether it is Alzheimer's disease.
How to improve memory naturally
Eating foods rich in omega 3, such as salmon, saltwater fish, seeds and avocado, for example, helps to improve memory and concentration, so you should bet on a healthy, balanced diet that contains the right foods. Check out other examples of foods that improve memory in this video by nutritionist Tatiana Zanin:
