Many people will have memory lapses from time to time. Most of the time, it's a small detail that is forgotten, or a fact that can't quite make it past the tip of the tongue. True memory loss, however, can be a scary thing, and can be a sign of more serious underlying problems.
Whether the trouble is with short-term or long-term memory, if you notice problems remembering facts, figures or faces, the first step is to contact your physician. A trained medical professional has the expertise to take a thorough history, perform a physical examination, and order appropriate testing to identify any pathologic cause for your memory issues, as well as provide therapy to restore your health. Some causes of memory problems can be quite serious, so it is crucial to take action right away.
Listed below are several potential causes of memory loss.
Stroke: Stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), can have serious impacts on your memory. A stroke occurs when a portion of the brain is deprived of oxygen, or if there is bleeding into a section of the cerebrum. A person's deficits, as well as their permanence, depend on several factors, including the cause of the stroke, as well as the portion of the brain that is affected. Sometimes people can have difficulty with short-term or long-term memory. Still other people can have difficulty learning new information, so there is a problem storing memories. Strokes are extremely dangerous and require immediate attention and potentially long-term rehabilitation.
Psychoactive Substance Abuse: Stroke maybe one of the leading causes for short term memory loss among older people but you can see recall problems in younger people as well. Psychoactive substance abuse is considered as a major cause for memory loss among youngsters. Alcohol, drugs and marijuana can cause serious short term memory loss. While many people are quite aware of the health risks associated with drugs like cocaine and heroin, it's common to underestimate the health impacts of alcohol and marijuana. The latter also can significantly affect a person's memory by sabotaging concentration and causing cell damage. Inhalant abuse is another abused substance popular with some teens which can also have serious detrimental effects on the brain.
Trauma: Concussions, which are contusions of the brain, can happen with even mild closed head injuries. Some common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are headaches, nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and yes, memory-problems. The more severe the trauma, of course, the greater the effect that an injury can have on memory.
Oxygen Deprivation: Intentional or unintentional oxygen deprivation can cause serious damage to the brain. Asphyxiation with bags or choking, or with exposure to harmful chemicals and gases can lead to problems with memory.
Depression: Many people are surprised to learn that depression can present with memory problems. An inability to concentrate is a hallmark of depression, and this can lead to inattention and difficulty taking in the details that will need to be remembered later.
Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative condition of the brain for which millions of dollars in research are spent every year. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia where people lose much of their memory and forget major portions of their lives. They also have significant difficulty with short-term memory.
Heavy Metal Poisoning: Lead and other heavy metals can cause big problems for brain development and cognitive function with prolonged exposure. This exposure is usually environmental, but can occur with certain occupations or hobbies as well.
These are some of the leading causes for memory loss. Early identification is crucial in all of these conditions, and it is essential to recruit the help of medical professionals to identify and treat the underlying problem.
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