Memory loss may begin innocently by misplacing your car keys or an inability to recall simple things such as your grocery list. With some effort, memory loss is not inevitable and can be prevented by taking preventive measures. The first step is in identifying the possible causes of memory loss. Amongst the common causes of memory loss are trauma and smoking.
Stress
Emotions such as stress and anxiety make it harder for your mind to learn, and are one of the symptoms of overworking your mind. The human body has defense mechanisms built in to protect itself, and these emotions could be a possible cause of memory loss as your mind is being overworked. In order to deal with this, make an effort to give your mind a break. You will find that you are able to remember more easily when your mind is alert and well-rested. This allows you to pay greater attention and commit more to memory.
A positive amount of stress will provide you with drive, whilst excessive levels of stress can make learning more difficult. When your mind is under excessive stress, it may result in memory loss as your mind has too many things to cope with, and contrary to popular belief, may not be a symptom of dementia. For pregnant women experiencing stress, the child that is born may face learning difficulties as it affects the part of the brain that is related to memory.
Amnesia
Amnesia occurs when one’s memory is affected, due to either organic or functional causes. Brain damage through physical trauma or diseases is a common organic cause, whilst functional causes include psychological elements such as the body’s defense mechanisms. Traumatic amnesia occurs due to head injuries, with the period of memory loss related to the degree of injury. Psychogenic amnesia, an example of a functional cause of amnesia, is an adaptive response that enables children to cope with trauma by repressing memories, thus allowing them to maintain an attachment to someone that has abused them.
Dementia
Dementia is a cause of memory loss due to old age. Depending on the extent of dementia, it may be reversible if it is in its early stages. Common identifiers of dementia include changes in the character of the person suffering from it and delirium. Dementia can be detected and cured through regular blood tests which identify cues to doctors. This allows for the prescriptions of folic acid, calcium, vitamin B12 etc.
Money will be spent and forgotten, but memories do live on. Above are some of the causes of memory loss, so take note and take action so that you can circumvent memory loss. Act now to ensure that your memories are preserved!