There are several causes of memory loss, the main one is anxiety, but it can also be associated with various conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, drug 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 in case of doubt it is important to consult a neurologist or geriatrician to investigate the possible causes of memory loss and start the correct treatment.
The main causes of memory loss and ways to treat it are
Anxiety is the main cause of memory loss, especially in young people, because times of stress cause the activation of many neurons and brain regions, making it more confusing and making it difficult to activity even for a simple task, such as remembering. of something.
Por esse motivo, é comum haver uma perda de memória repentina, ou um lapso, em situações como uma apresentação oral, uma prova ou após uma acontecimento estressante, por exemplo.
How to treat it: Anxiety treatment returns memory to normal, which can be done with relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, physical exercise or psychotherapy sessions. For cases of severe and frequent anxiety, medications, such as anxiolytics, prescribed by the psychiatrist may be necessary.
The simple inattention in any activity or situation makes you forget certain information much faster, therefore, when you are or are very distracted, it is easier to forget details such as an address, phone number or location where the keys have been saved, for example, not necessarily a health problem.
How to treat it: You can train memory and concentration, with exercises and activities that activate the brain, such as reading a book, taking a new course or simply crossword puzzles, for example. Meditation is also an exercise that stimulates and facilitates the maintenance of concentration.
Depression and other psychiatric conditions such as panic syndrome, generalized anxiety or bipolar disorder are diseases that can cause attention deficits and affect the functioning of brain neurotransmitters, being one of the main causes of memory impairment and can even be confused with Alzheimer’s disease.
How to treat: Treatment with antidepressants or psychiatrist-directed medications should be introduced to improve symptoms. Psychotherapy is also important to help with treatment. Understand how depression is treated.
Hypothyroidism is a major cause of memory loss because, when not treated properly, it slows down metabolism and affects brain function.
Memory loss from hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive sleep, dry skin, brittle nails and hair, depression, difficulty concentrating and severe fatigue.
How to treat: Treatment is guided by the family doctor or endocrinologist, with levothyroxine, and its dose is tailored to the extent of each person’s disease. Understand how to identify and treat hypothyroidism.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in vegans without nutritional monitoring, malnourished people, alcoholics or people who have changes in the absorption capacity of the stomach, as in bariatric surgery, because it is a vitamin that we acquire through a balanced diet and, preferably, with meat. . Lack of this vitamin affects brain function and affects memory and reasoning.
How to treat: The replacement of this vitamin is done with balanced diet guidelines, nutritional supplements or, in case of poor absorption by the stomach, with vitamin injections.
Some medications can cause mental confusion and alter memory, being more common in those who frequently use sedatives, such as diazepam and clonazepam, for example, or it may be a side effect of medications of different types, such as anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and certain labyrinthitis. Medications.
These effects vary from person to person, so it is always important to tell your doctor about the medications used if you suspect a change in memory.
How to treat: It is advisable to talk to your doctor to exchange or stop any medications associated with memory loss.
Excessive alcohol use and the use of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, in addition to interfering with levels of consciousness, have a toxic effect on neurons, which can impair brain function and memory.
How to treat: It is important to stop using illegal drugs and consume alcohol in moderation. If this is a difficult task, there are treatments that help against chemical dependence, and are recommended in the health center.
Changing the sleep cycle can impair memory, as the lack of daily rest, which should average 6 to 8 hours daily, makes it difficult to maintain attention and concentration, as well as impair reasoning.
How to treat: You can achieve better sleep with common habits such as adopting a bedtime and getting up routine, avoiding drinking coffee after 5 p.m., as well as avoiding using your mobile phone or watching TV in bed. More severe cases can be treated with anxiolytic medications, guided by a psychiatrist or a family doctor.
Learn about the main strategies for regulating sleep and when medications need to be used.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that occurs in the elderly, 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 disturbances, especially in the elderly, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson’s dementia or Lewy body dementia for example, which should differentiate the doctor.
How to treat: Once the disease is confirmed, the neurologist or geriatric may start with anticholines drugs, such as Donepezila, in addition to indicating activities such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy, so that the person can maintain their functions for as long as possible. . Learn how to identify and confirm whether It’s Alzheimer’s disease.
Eating omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, saltwater fish, seeds, and avocado, for example, helps improve memory and concentration, so you should focus on a healthy, balanced diet that contains the right foods. See more examples of memory-enhancing foods in this video by nutritionist Tatiana Zanin: