What Causes Short Term Memory Loss?
It is very easy to put short term memory loss down to old age. And say that it is but natural to start forgetting things as you age. However, while this may be true, there are several other causes of short term memory loss that should not be ignored as they could be signalling to more complex problems.
Let's have a look at some of these more complex matters, for example:
Alzheimer's disease
As our population ages the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia become more and more prevalent.Anyone who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer's understands that this cause of short term memory loss is something not to be taken lightly. Coupled with dementia, this disease is the subject of a lot of research and although no real cure has been found for it, nipping it in the bud or at least diagnosing it correctly in the preliminary stages is crucial.
Blood Sugar
Another problem associated with modern living is the tendency to skip meals during the day and making up with a large heavy meal at night. People that starve themselves then have a big meal often have very instable blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can lead the brain to get sleepy and groggy and hence become one of the causes of short term memory loss. This is why doctors often recommend that patients who want to improve their memory have six small meals in a day as opposed to three large ones so as to keep blood sugar levels steady.
Hormonal Havoc
Another sure sign of the aging process is hormonal imbalance which is often a cause of short term memory loss. As Menopause sets in and estrogen levels start to dwindle the changes are severe. Even though hormone replacement therapies and other treatments have become common practice today, This imbalance is certainly a factor worth looking into when figuring out causes of memory loss.
Depression Medications and Drinking
I am sure you will agree that the pressures of life today are a major cause of depression and short term memory loss. People who suffer from depression, especially those who are taking medication, find that they often cannot remember things clearly. This is attributed to the side effects of the drugs. Apart from medical drugs, recreational drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption are also known to be amongst the causes of short term memory loss.
Natural Treatments
As with any ailment, short term memory loss must be diagnosed by your doctor so that the correct causes of your short term memory loss can be assessed for your specific case, he may recommend drugs, mental exercises, a more healthy lifestyle or some natural, herbal supplements,.
Some studies have produced encouraging results however they are still inconclusive, studies have shown that ginkgo biloba and anti-oxidants can help prevent brain cell damage and to restore mental memory function. Individual choice determines whether to try out the herbal supplements, others prefer a more pharmaceutical approach whereas the remainder just like the old fashioned route of healthy eating and exercise. Ask your doctor which is best for your case.
As they say "If you don't use it you will lose it", it is therefore very important to keep your mind and body active ensuring good blood circulation. Don't sucome to the trappings of the modern sedentary lifestyle be active in both body and mind.
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