Many people worry about the question of what are the reasons for the manifestation of a bad memory. Most associate it with Alzheimer’s disease. But this is not the only problem that can cause memory loss symptoms. Besides, many different disorders cause memory loss:
- Hyperparathyroidism;
- Alcohol addiction;
- Parkinson’s disease;
- Depression;
- Nutritional deficiency;
- Concussion.
It is normal for a person to forget something sometimes. But if it happens regularly and suddenly, it is a serious reason to consider your health. Poor concentration and forgetfulness do not appear without reason. Their presence is a signal of inevitable failures in the body. And it may not necessarily be some severe condition. Among diseases that cause memory loss can be even common mental disorders. Do you have regular stress or anxiety? Sooner or later, this will inevitably lead to memory loss. So, to detect the disease that provokes it, you need to know its symptoms in the initial stages. Then the doctor can identify your disease more quickly and provide appropriate treatment.
Common Diseases That Cause Memory Loss & Symptoms
Diagnosing diseases similar to Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Because the symptoms can be very diverse. They can also be difficult to treat, as there is often no cure. So, if you are experiencing any of the signs listed below, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential. Based on our experience, early diagnosis can save you from severe consequences:
- forgetfulness;
- confusion;
- disorientation;
- difficulty speaking or understanding speech;
- inconvenience with comprehension;
- problems with short-term memory;
- problems with long-term memory;
- changes in mood or personality.
Memory is one of the foremost critical capacities of the brain. It makes a difference for us to memorize, keep in mind, and perform different assignments. Be that as it may, certain infections can cause memory misfortune. And ordinarily, they affect one’s quality of life. These illnesses can be from Alzheimer’s disease to Huntington’s disorder. The impacts of these illnesses can be obliterating. It influences not only patients but also their families and caregivers. So, deciding the disease and its indications at an early stage is vital. And how to find it out? Keep the list of diseases that can cause memory loss as a symptom:
1. Amnesia
A popular memory loss symptom is amnesia. Amnesia is defined as a “selective memory loss, usually resulting from brain injury, shock, or illness.” It can range from mild memory impairment to a complete inability to recall past events. Symptoms of amnesia can include:
- inability to learn new information;
- difficulty remembering newly-learned information;
- difficulty recognizing people, places, or objects.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of amnesia, it is crucial to speak to your doctor.
2. Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is a disease similar to Alzheimer’s. It manifests by recurring episodes of involuntary movements, muscle weakness, and memory loss. The cells in the brain gradually become damaged over generations in it. The main symptom of it is a progressive decline in mental and physical abilities. Other symptoms include:
- changes in behavior;
- mood swings;
- difficulty making decisions;
- problems controlling body movements.
Early symptoms of Huntington’s Disease include depression, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and forgetfulness. As the disease progresses, motor and cognitive impairment can worsen. To prevent this, consult a neurologist at the slightest of these symptoms.
3. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative neurological disorder. It affects the central nervous system. It is damage and abnormal hardening of the myelin. It protects nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Common memory loss symptoms of it include:
- memory loss;
- poor coordination;
- difficulty speaking;
- confusion;
- difficulty concentrating;
- blurred vision;
- depression.
Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, tingling, pain, and difficulty with bowel control. MS progresses variably, meaning that it has multiple stages. You can experience a sudden increase in their symptoms as you go through them.
4. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is another disease that can be a memory loss symptom. A deficiency of Vitamin B or thiamine causes it. It’s usually due to poor nutrition or alcohol use. Signs of the syndrome include:
- confusion;
- disorientation;
- amnesia, including difficulty forming new memories;
- slowed movements;
- vision problems.
This syndrome diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history. Besides, doctors can take a physical exam with lab tests or imaging tests such as MRI scans. It helps to determine the presence of the illness and its level quickly.
5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a memory loss disease. It is caused by an imbalance in the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid. It can cause many symptoms that can interfere with daily life. It includes:
- memory loss;
- problems with mobility;
- incontinence;
- slow walking;
- an unsteady gait;
- urinary incontinence.
Other symptoms may include slowed thinking, changes in personality, and difficulty concentrating. Based on our observations, they may not appear immediately but gradually. Thus, as soon as you notice the slow loss of memory and confusion, examine your health.
Treatment for Memory Loss Diseases
In the event of memory impairment, it is necessary to consult a neurologist immediately. It is for testing and an in-depth examination that will reveal the cause of the disease. In almost half of the cases, you can prevent the progression of the illness. But in most diseases similar to Alzheimer, doctors do not treat them with the help of medicines. After all, there are no exact drugs for the complete treatment of memory loss. As our tests show, there are the following methods of relieving this problem:
- Physical activity and exercise.
- Cognitive stimulation.
- Medication and supplements.
- Stress management.
- Good nutrition.
To protect your memory, it is imperative to learn something new constantly. For example, you can learn foreign languages, engage in creativity, or play a musical instrument. After our tests, we found that flexible physical and mental action contains a way better defensive impact than any pharmaceutical. So, here are five treatments. They have shown promise in restoring memory loss diseases:
1. Physical activity
Our studies have found that physical activity can improve cognitive functioning and help boost concentration. Exercise also provides an opportunity for social interaction and can improve mood. So, physical activity can include:
- walking;
- jogging;
- biking;
- swimming.
Besides all these, physical activity helps enhance heart health, an essential factor in cognitive functioning. Do a physical activity in moderation to your needs and abilities. Then it will have better results for relieving loss of memory and confusion.
2. Nutrition and diet
Nutrition and diet are essential components of any treatment plan for people with cognitive decline. Eating a balanced diet can help the body and brain function more effectively. You should organize the right balance, which should include consumption:
- Omega-3 fatty acids;
- vitamin B-12;
- any useful minerals;
- plenty of fruits and vegetables;
- healthy proteins;
- whole grains.
Healthy food means a healthy brain. What you feed your body is what it gets from it. So, it is very important to consume healthy products to absorb vitamins. It helps improve memory and avoid diseases that cause memory loss.
3. Cognitive stimulation and training
Cognitive stimulation can help improve cognitive functioning in people with loss of memory and confusion. It can include activities such as:
- word games;
- crosswords;
- jigsaw puzzles;
- computer-based training.
Activities like this can help ward off depression and other mental health issues. Exactly they can contribute to memory loss. So, it’s important to find activities you enjoy and can do. Thanks to this, you can keep your brain and body healthy.
4. Medication and supplements
Sometimes memory loss can worsen and go into a worse phase. So, some memory loss diseases need the use of medication to help treat cognitive decline:
- For instance, people who have Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs. It increases the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain.
- Vitamins and minerals have also all been linked to improved brain health. It includes folic acid, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids.
All this is useful for improving memory, but not for everyone. Some patients do not need medication, and their consumption may be ineffective. So, consulting a medical professional before taking any prescription or supplement is essential. Only neurologists can prescribe you the correct medication and dosage.
5. Stress management
Stress can worsen memory loss symptoms. So finding ways to reduce stress are integral to any treatment plan. Among suitable methods for relieving stress are:
- mindfulness meditation;
- yoga;
- deep breathing exercises;
- getting enough sleep;
- simply taking breaks during the day;
- taking the time for self-care.
You can also take extra vitamins to improve your mood. If you have a specific reason for stress, try to solve it somehow and not focus on it. Distract yourself with pleasant activities and relax for a few minutes every day. Then avoiding stress will save you from loss of memory and confusion.
A Word From Lone Star Neurology
Although Alzheimer’s is the most commonly known cause of cognitive decline, there are also other diseases that cause memory loss. Some of them you can treat effectively, while others, unfortunately, can’t. So, if you worry about your memory, consult our neurologists. They can check you and determine if they can treat an underlying cause.
FAQ
- What can cause memory loss besides dementia?
Some other diseases can cause memory loss:
- head injury;
- drinking too much alcohol;
- medication side effects;
- stress;
- blood clots.
- What three conditions are often mistaken for Alzheimer’s?
People with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are often misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, misdiagnoses can also be mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson’s disease.
- Can lack of B12 cause memory loss?
Yes. Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Without enough vitamin B12, it can lead to problems with memory loss. With time, it provokes neurological symptoms. It includes confusion, depression, and difficulty with coordination.
- Do I have Alzheimer’s, or am I just forgetful?
Not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer’s. Other reasons for cognitive impairment include aging, emotional issues, or dementia. So, to be sure about this issue, you need to consult a neurologist.
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