What Causes Memory Loss?
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Many aging adults experience memory problems as they grow older. It’s normal to occasionally forget where you placed your keys or the name of someone you met a few times in your life. General age-related memory loss doesn’t significantly impact your daily life. However, when memory loss is a symptom of a more significant problem, such as dementia, it requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate care.
When memory loss becomes a significant problem, it can disrupt an individual’s daily activities and make it challenging for them to resume regular activities. If you notice your aging parent consistently forgetting things and behaving differently, it might be time to seek professional help and learn about memory loss causes.
If a medical diagnosis reveals that your loved one has dementia, look into Sagecare’s memory care homes for assistance. Our staff members provide a high level of specialized care for seniors with dementia, allowing them to comfortably age in place.
What Causes Memory Loss?
It’s essential to understand what causes memory loss to be able to find an effective solution for the problem. There could be various memory loss causes that depend on an individual’s overall health and lifestyle. To determine what causes short term memory loss or other forms of memory loss, the healthcare provider examining the individual will ask if the problem occurred suddenly or gradually.
Dementia
People with dementia often experience memory loss as dementia causes damage to the brain and can affect areas involved in creating and retrieving memories. Dementia can cause both short term and long term memory loss. In some cases, short term memory loss can be managed. However, long term memory loss cannot be reversed.
To better understand the causes of short term memory loss and ways to control it, it’s important to determine how much dementia has affected an individual. You can take your loved one to a doctor and discuss the symptoms to figure out what stage of dementia they are in.
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Severe Brain Injury
A brain injury could be one of the main causes of sudden memory loss. Any injury or infection that affects the brain can interfere with memory. A person that suffers from damage to brain structures may develop amnesia. Amnesia can damage brain structures that form the limbic system, which controls your emotions and memories. Brain injuries can occur due to accidents, strokes, seizures, and brain inflammation and can be one of the memory loss causes.
Concussion
Concussions occur when a person’s head hits an object, or a moving object strikes the head. The effect of the concussion on the brain depends on how severe the concussion is. If the injury is severe enough, it could be one of the causes of short term memory loss. A concussion is a less severe type of brain injury, but it can be one of the causes of memory loss.
Cancer Treatment
Some forms of cancer treatment, such as brain radiation, bone marrow transplant, or chemotherapy, can be considered causes of memory loss. The treatments may cause difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering things, and the symptoms can occur during or after cancer treatment. Some people may experience minor changes in the brain, whereas others may face significant problems with memory and concentration.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, causing many potential symptoms. MS could be one of the causes of short term memory loss. If you want to understand what’s causing memory problems for your loved one, educate yourself on the types of memory loss will help you identify the symptoms and seek help accordingly.
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Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions are generally causes of short term memory loss. Certain mental health conditions, such as depression, could affect many aspects of functioning, including memory. Some mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, can lead to memory loss. A 2018 analysis of earlier studies about the effects of depression and memory suggest that memory loss could be a symptom of depression.
How to Help Seniors with Memory Loss
It can be challenging to reverse memory loss problems, but when you understand what causes memory loss, you can better help your loved one manage the issue causing memory loss.
Specialized Care
One of the best ways to control memory loss or reduce its impact on one’s daily life is by seeking specialized care. There are many benefits of memory care at Sagecare. Our registered nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help seniors with memory loss live better lives.
Physical Exercise
Exercise can help thinking in a few ways. Physical activity can reduce insulin resistance, lower inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors—chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells. Exercise can also help brain cells survive and support the growth of new blood vessels in the brain. This can improve one’s cognitive functioning and slow down memory loss.
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Memory Engaging Activities
It’s essential to keep the brain engaged to slow down memory loss in a senior. There are many helpful memory care activities that can stimulate the brain and improve an individual’s cognitive abilities. Memory-engaging activities include board games, painting, gardening, and learning a new skill. Encourage your loved one to participate in activities that keep their brain engaged, as this can improve their cognitive function.
Socialization
Research has confirmed social interaction protects memory. Interacting with people provides a sense of a normal structure and strengthens the connection to time and place in seniors with memory loss. It helps stimulate the brain and encourage participation in activities, such as going out for coffee or staying engaged in a conversation. Staying socially active can help people interact with friends or family and form a routine, slowing down memory loss.
Healthy Diet
The food a person eats plays a crucial role in their brain functioning. Consuming a healthy diet can help boost brain function and improve brain health. It’s important to incorporate healthy items, such as fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and other items that contribute to a healthier mind. Replacing unhealthy items with brain-friendly foods won’t reverse memory loss but can slow its progression and improve overall health.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re trying to understand what causes short term memory loss or long term memory loss, it’s essential to gain a general insight into your loved one’s health to find the correct answers. If you notice your aging parent or grandparent struggling to remember things, it might be helpful to seek assistance from a medical professional.
Once you’ve determined what causes memory loss and how it might affect your loved one, reach out to Sagecare to find out how we can help!
