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MEMORY SLIPS are aggravating, frustrating, and sometimes worrisome. When they happen more than they should, they can trigger fears of looming dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss is unusual forgetfulness, that you may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both. The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolved, or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time.
Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical Centre, said in severe cases, such memory impairment may interfere with daily living activities.
“Normal ageing can cause some forgetfulness. It is normal to have some trouble learning new material or needing more time to remember it. But normal ageing does not lead to dramatic memory loss. Such memory loss is due to other diseases,” Dr Thomas said.
Memory loss can be caused by many things. To determine a cause, your doctor will ask if the problem came on suddenly or slowly. Many areas of the brain help you create and retrieve memories. A problem in any of these areas can lead to memory loss.
Some of the most common causes of memory loss include lack of interest, dementia, deficiency, brain inflammation, medications, sedentary lifestyle, stress and insomnia.
According to Dr Thomas, prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants are linked to memory disorders. “Other drugs, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, newer anticonvulsants, isotretinoin and ciclosporin, are also significantly associated with memory loss,” he said.
Head trauma like a concussion can lead to memory loss. A single blow to the head can cause memory loss that either stays the same or improves over time. Meanwhile, repeated blows to the head, like those from boxing or football, can cause progressive memory loss and other cognitive problems.
Sleep deprivation can lead to reduced memory, and sleep apnea may promote memory loss. “A recent study found people who slept less than six hours a night in their 50s, 60s and 70s had a 30 per cent higher risk of dementia than their peers who slept more. This finding proved true across factors like demographics, behaviours and mental health,” Dr Thomas said.
Not enough vitamin B1 or B12 can lead to memory loss. B1, also called thiamine, is key to the growth, development and function of cells. “Vitamin B1 deficiency can be linked to alcohol dependence, HIV/AIDS and some medications. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 helps keep blood and nerve cells healthy. As we age, our levels of vitamin B12 decline naturally,” Dr Thomas said.
LOSS FROM TRAUMA
About 70 per cent of people who have cancer report cognitive problems, and about a third of people still have issues following treatment. The mental fog that can accompany chemotherapy, other treatments can impact memory, too, such as radiation therapy, brain surgery and medications like hormone therapy or immunotherapy.
Major, traumatic events can lead to memory loss, and difficulty concentrating and remembering can be a symptom of both anxiety and depression, especially in older people. “These issues can also be problems for people with bipolar disorder and while schizophrenia often causes hallucinations and delusions, it can also cause problems with short- and long-term memory. Researchers have identified a biomarker that will help them better understand and treat these memory deficits,” Dr Thomas said.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurodegenerative dementia are characterised by memory loss. Abnormal brain changes cause a decline in cognitive skills that impact behaviour, relationships and daily functioning.
“Problems with short-term memory are a symptom of dementia and can progress to long-term memory loss as it gets worse. Most of the brain changes that cause dementia are permanent. However, memory may improve if other existing issues like depression or thyroid problems are addressed,” Dr Thomas said.
LOSS FROM INFECTIONS
Infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis and herpes can cause memory problems. HIV puts the function of nerve cells at risk by infecting the cells that protect and support them. The virus can also trigger inflammation that can damage the brain and cause forgetfulness.
“With tuberculosis, memory loss can be a complaint. However, prompt treatment can resolve these problems. Meanwhile, herpes simplex virus can cause a rare neurological disorder called herpes simplex encephalitis. This inflammation of the brain can lead to memory loss. Antiviral drugs may help if treatment is started right away,” Dr Thomas said.
If you, a family member, or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with your doctor. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms.
At your doctor visit, he or she can perform tests and assessments, which may include a brain scan, to help determine the source of memory problems. Your doctor may also recommend you see a neurologist, a doctor who specialises in treating diseases of the brain and nervous system.
Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can make the right treatment plan. People with memory problems should make a follow-up appointment to check their memory every six to 12 months.
English (US) ·