Some memory loss is inevitable as we age. What you can do to protect yourself and your memory
A surprising number of things can cause memory loss, not just dementia.
So watch out for the following before jumping to all the wrong conclusions:
You're stressed out
Last year, more than 400,000 people in the UK said they were under so much stress at work, it was making them ill. Studies have shown that people under pressure who continuously have high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood perform less well in memory tests. But it is now also thought that even severe short term stress can cause memory loss.
What to do about it
You won't know when your cortisol levels are up, but most of us know when we are stressed and under pressure, whether it's caused by work, family, relationships or money. Make time for yourself to do what helps you to relax - exercise, a relaxing bath, yoga, or doing some gardening.
Problems sleeping
Adults generally need at least six hours of sleep a night to function the next day. Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep are both associated with memory loss. Sleep is needed for effective memory storage and retrieval.
People with sleep apnoea, a disorder which causes them to stop breathing in their sleep ten times per hour, often suffer from memory loss and irritability the following day.
What to do about it
Sleep problems are usually caused by lifestyle, rather than a sleep disorder. Establish a sleep routine, and avoid food and drink (especially alcohol) which help keep you awake or interrupt your sleep pattern.
Sleep apnoea mostly occurs in men, people who are overweight and who snore heavily.
Lacking vitamins
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for a healthy nervous system. People who lack vitamin B12 become anaemic and can suffer memory difficulties.
Most people with vitamin B12 deficiency are unable to absorb the vitamin from foods. Although it's more common in people over the age of 50, it can occur at any age.
What to do about it
Anaemia symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Nervous system symptoms include tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, memory loss and confusion.
The good news is that it can be treated by your GP who will prescribe vitamin B12 injections. Good sources of vitamin B12 are red and white meat, eggs, fish, milk and cheese. Vegans can take supplements.
Thyroid disorder
Memory difficulties combined with general fatigue and sluggishness are often accepted as a normal part of ageing. But they can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid caused by low levels of hormones from the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can occur at any age, but is usually more common in older adults and in women.
What to do about it
Look out for other symptoms such as cold hands and feet, constipation, pale, dry skin and unexplained weight gain. If these sound familiar, see your GP. They can perform a blood test, and prescribe hormone tablets if necessary.
Common drugs
Certain prescription drugs and even those bought at your local pharmacy can affect your memory. This usually happens if you take too many or because they may be interacting with other drugs. As you age and your metabolism slows down, medicines tend to stay in the system for longer and this can also have an effect.
Anticholinergics are a class of drugs which block the activity of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger which carries signals between nerve cells. These types of drugs are often used to treat bladder problems, sleeplessness, nausea and allergies and are found in many over the counter medicines.
What to do about it
Draw up a list of any drugs you are taking, including any purchased from your pharmacy and take it to your GP. They can decide if any drug related memory problems are occurring and alter your medication if necessary.
Booze
It's already known that alcoholics and long term heavy drinkers can suffer from memory loss and even permanent brain damage. But recent studies also suggest that binge drinking can cause short term memory loss as well.
What to do about it
It's not rocket science is it? From a health point of view, binge drinking is definitely not recommended. Apart from memory loss, there is also the risk of alcohol poisoning and choking on your own vomit whilst asleep. Stick to the recommended limits which are:
- Men should drink no more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol per day
- Women should drink no more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol per day
Mini-stroke
Transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke, happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, in most cases by a blood clot. Unlike strokes, mini-strokes can last from a few minutes up to 24 hours. Most are over within half an hour. Because of this, many people ignore the symptoms, especially if they disappear within the day. Others may not be aware they have had one, yet they can cause memory loss.
What to do about it
Symptoms of a stroke should be treated as a medical emergency, even if they disappear. Around one in five people who have mini-strokes go on to have a full blown stroke which can kill, or cause permanent disability. If you or anyone you know has 'a turn' involving memory loss, confusion, difficulty with or understanding speech, loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking, then call 999.
Comments