As you get older, your memory starts to fade. No matter how many vitamins you take, no matter how healthy you eat, no matter how many brain games you play, inevitably your memory will begin to deteriorate from its former glory. While this is begrudgingly accepted as an inevitable part of aging, few people take the time to understand what exactly causes memory loss over time. Below you can find a few of the primary causes of memory loss.
Memory and Aging
As you get older, you are going to have trouble remembering simple facts, names, and places. While your memory loss will have little effect on your everyday life, you may forget the names of someone you just met, misplace items like keys or your cell phone more often, and rely upon reminders, calendars, and your smartphone to remember appointments and obligations. Unless your memory loss begins to interfere with your everyday activities or safety, there is no reason to see a doctor.
Causes of Memory Loss
While most individuals experience memory loss as a result of the natural aging process, there are also some more serious medical conditions and illnesses that can also cause memory loss. In general, memory loss stemming from a medical condition will result in more intense memory loss that can affect your safety and ability to live a happy and healthy life.
Dementia
Usually starting slowly and escalating with time, dementia results in progressive memory loss that can impair your ability to think rationally, make reasonable decisions, have sound judgement, and think critically. Dementia can also cause drastic mood changes and behavioral issues that cause damage to your interpersonal relationships. Dementia is caused by a variety of different diseases, most notably Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that usually is first noticed when you are in your 60s. The disease not only can cause drastic memory issues, but also can result in illogical reasoning, poor judgement, and the inability to communicate or perform everyday functions. All of these symptoms can cause those struck with Alzheimer’s disease to become easily confused and often disoriented, unsure of where they are and how they got there. In general, long-term memories tend to still be present, it is just formulating new short-term memories that can be very difficult.
Other Factors
There are a variety of other factors that can cause memory loss. Here are a few of the most prominent causes of memory loss in individuals.
- Insomnia or sleep deprivation
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Anesthesia from a medical procedure
- Concussions or other serious head trauma
- Brain tumor or other serious brain diseases
- Seizures
- Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Mental disorders
- Emotional trauma
- Migraines
- Neurodegenerative illnesses
Treatment for Memory Loss Stemming From Alzheimer’s Disease
If you or someone you love is suffering from serious memory loss as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, Synergy Research Centers in San Diego can help. Our facility in Lemon Grove offers treatment research trials for those with Alzheimer’s disease, providing cutting-edge treatment free of cost. To learn more, contact Synergy Research Centers today by calling (888) 539-0282.