Memory loss is worrying young Indians, but experts say you need to know when to fret. You meet a former colleague at a party, and can’t for the life of you place him. We’ve all encountered the embarrassment. But what if you forget to perform a daily task or can’t recall a route you frequently take? “The brain is programmed to filter out data and retain information that’s important. Often, we remember work-related tasks, but could forget domestic chores, which the brain slots as less important,” says Dr Annu Aggarwal, consultant neurologist and specialist in cognitive and behavioural neurology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Here are six top reasons for memory loss:–
Substance abuse: While research tells us that alcohol affects brain cells, neurologists agree that occasional and moderate consumption isn’t a problem. But regular drinking binges can be neuro-toxic. Excessive consumption of alcohol over time can cause shrinkage and permanent damage to the brain. “The way the liver functions has a direct impact on the brain because it filters toxins from the body. If you suffer from a liver disorder, a toxic build up leads to deposits in the brain. This could lead to memory loss,” explains Aggarwal.
Sleeplessness: Chronic sleep deprivation is another common physiological reason for memory loss and is experienced by professionals who work late and rise early. While most of us make up for a lack of sleep during the week by lying in late on weekends, the damage is done. “The memories we have formed during the day are consolidated at night when we sleep. When you don’t get adequate deep sleep, this function is disrupted and can directly affect short-term and long-term memory,” says Aggarwal.
Vitamin dip: Often, memory loss experienced by 30 to 40 year olds is put down to vitamin deficiency. “Lack of vitamins, specifically B12, can result in short-term memory loss. Sometimes, the body is unable to absorb the vitamin, in which case an endoscopy must be performed for further investigation,” says Srivastava, who has come across several vegetarians battling the deficiency due to their diet. Stock up on mackerel, silken tofu, eggs, skim milk, fortified cereals, suggest nutritionists.
Depression: Pseudo dementia is a form of memory loss where a patient experiences short-term memory loss as a result of depression. It’s likely that the patient isn’t aware of it but it’s evident to those around. “In such a case, the patient is anxious and the memory loss is directly linked to depression.
Thyroid: Hyperthyroidism is a common cause for forgetting and is diagnosed with a blood test. When memory loss is accompanied by slowing down of activities, fatigue and hair loss, doctors recommend running a test for hyperthyroidism.
It refers to a condition where the thyroid gland lodged in the front of the neck produces excessive amounts of a hormone that controls metabolism, breathing, heart rate, weight and body temperature.
Stress: When someone in their 30s approaches Pardasani, complaining of turning forgetful, he investigates the impact of stress on the patients. “Stressassociated loss of concentration can be the result of juggling multiple tasks in the day, the demands of urban life, and pressure to provide for yourself and family,” he says. Rest becomes inadequate, food habits are irregular, skipping breakfast is common and having dinner late into the night is a norm.
With the body losing out on essential nutrients, memory can be affected. Stress-linked memory loss is usually corrected through medication and counselling.
