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What Causes Short Term Memory Loss?

By: The Alternate Medic As time passes we all become aware of our own short term memory loss. We often just put it down to old age, this may be quite true, however, there may be deeper more serious reasons for our short term memory loss and these may have serious implications attached..

What are som of these more complex matters?

Alzheimer's disease

As our population ages the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia become more and more prevalent.Anyone who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer's understands that this cause of short term memory loss is something not to be taken lightly. Coupled with dementia, this disease is the subject of a lot of research and although no real cure has been found for it, nipping it in the bud or at least diagnosing it correctly in the preliminary stages is crucial.

Blood Sugar

Today's pace of life tends to force many of us to skip meals during the day and making up by eating a large meal at night. This causes other unforeseen problems; people that follow this course often have very instable blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can lead the brain to becoming less attentive and slightly groggy. This has become one of the causes of short term memory loss. Obviously this is why doctors often recommend that patients who want to improve their memory have six small meals in a day as opposed to three large ones so as to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Hormonal Havoc

Another sure sign of the aging process is hormonal imbalance which is often a cause of short term memory loss. As Menopause sets in and estrogen levels start to dwindle the changes are severe. Even though hormone replacement therapies and other treatments have become common practice today, This imbalance is certainly a factor worth looking into when figuring out causes of memory loss.

Depression and Drinking

The pressures of living today is a major cause of depression and short term memory loss. People who are depressed and especially those who are taking medication often cannot remember things clearly because of the side effects of the drugs. Apart from medical drugs, recreational drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption can also be amongst the causes of short term memory loss.

Natural Treatments

It is important to have your doctor diagnose yur condition and isolate the causes of your short term memory loss for your specific case, he may recommend drugs, mental exercises, a more healthy lifestyle or some natural, herbal supplements,.

Although the results have not been very conclusive, some studies have shown that ginkgo biloba and anti-oxidants to help prevent brain cell damage and to restore mental memory function has been successful. Some like to try out the herbal supplements, some prefer a more pharmaceutical approach whereas some just like the old fashioned route of healthy eating and exercise. Ask your doctor which is best for your case.

We all know that if we don't regularly exercise our muscles they tend to weaken and fade away. The same applies for the mind, by doing regular mental exercises along with physical exercise we ensure good blood circulation and a healthy mind.