Dr Geni Abraham | Memory Loss Types | Memory Loss Causes | Memory Loss Prevention

Memory Loss or Dementia: Definition

Describes a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language, and other thinking skills. When these symptoms are severe enough they may interfere with normal daily activities.

Causes

A thorough evaluation is needed to identify the underlying cause. Some of them can be correctable

Familial
Inflammation
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Alcohol abuse
Drug abuse
Depression and Anxiety
Traumatic brain injury
Hypothyroidism
B12 deficiency
Toxic exposures

Prevention

Correct the underlying causes or treat diseases that promote dementia aggressively

Our lifestyle is very important. Our nutrition, exercise, social engagement, stress management all play a role in worsening our memory therefore addressing them is always important. Avoidance of toxic substances is also important.

Treatment

Nutrition : Medi-Dash diet or Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory whole foods plant-based diet. Limit sweets, saturated fats and processed foods. This diet also helps with promoting detoxification.

Exercise : There is data that suggests that exercise is a key factor. People who exercise or are physically active learn better and have reduced memory decline associated with ageing.

Sleep Hygiene : Reduced sleep promotes memory loss. Therefore it is imperative that you have good sleep habits that get you 7-8 hours of restorative sleep.

Stress : Chronic stress shrinks our brain memory centers. It is also inflammatory which worsens the problem.

Supplements: Correct deficiencies, Multivitamin, Fish Oil, Vitamin D3 are some options.

Medications : Very few options but these can be discussed.