Memory loss

Memory loss

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer's. ... Other causes for memory problems can include aging, medical conditions, emotional problems, mild cognitive impairment, or another type of dementia. When memory loss becomes so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, or another disorder that causes dementia, or a condition that mimics dementia.

Warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?

• Memory Loss. 
• Difficulty Planning and Solving Problems.
• Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks. 
• Difficulty Determining Time or Place. 
• Vision Loss. 
• Difficulty Finding the Right Words.
• Misplacing Items Often.
• Difficulty Making Decisions.

Alcohol and drug abuse, concussions and other trauma to the head can impact short-term memory. Medical conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, heart bypass surgery and depression can also impact short-term memory. One of the first signsof dementia is short-term memory loss. Depression has been linked to memory problems, such as forgetfulness or confusion. It can also make it difficult to focus on work or other tasks, make decisions, or think clearly. Stress and anxiety can also lead to poor memory. Depression is associated with short-term memory loss.

What are the very early signs of dementia?

• memory problems, particularly remembering recent events.
• increasing confusion.
• reduced concentration.
• personality or behaviour changes.
• apathy and withdrawal or depression.
• loss of ability to do everyday tasks.
• Subtle short-term memory changes. Trouble with memory can be an early symptom of dementia. 
• Difficulty finding the right words. 
• Changes in mood. 

How can I improve my memory?

Research shows that diets high in saturated fat (from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream) increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage

Whether you suffer from Alzheimer's disease or you simply have memory problems, certain vitamins and fatty acids have been said to slow or prevent memory loss. The long list of potential solutions includes vitamins like vitamin B-12, herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 deficiency — most common in older adults and vegetarians — can cause various signs and symptoms, including memory loss. ... But supplementation with B vitamins has not been shown to improve brain function or symptoms of memory loss.

The following are used to temporarily improve dementia symptoms . Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications — including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment

Here are a few memory supplements that may also have some potential, but require much more study:

• Omega-3 fatty acid. ...
• Huperzine A. Also known as Chinese club moss, this natural medicine works in a similar way as Alzheimer's drugs. ...
• Acetyl-L-carnitine.