Short-term memory loss can result from several potentia
l conditions. These include alcohol and chronic drug abuse, infections, injuries, depression and disease. Some primary causes may also be stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, meningitis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and brain tumors, vitamin deficiencies, transient ischemic attack, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, psychological disturbance, medications, malnutrition, head trauma, or cerebrovascular disease.
Stroke is often cited as a major cause of short-term memory loss. Individuals who suffer strokes may have difficulty learning new things are recalling what they learned after the stroke. Head traumas sometimes cause short-term memory loss. This can be true even if a concussion is not present. Situations like bomb explosions or automobile accidents can damage the brain without significant bruising.
It is not uncommon to find malnutrition even in affluent societies. Bad eating habits can result in unstable blood sugar that can affect brain health and lead to memory loss. Psychiatric disorders may lead to short-term memory loss or other forms of amnesia. Examples are dissociative identity disorder and dissociative fugue. As well, people sometimes incur oxygen starvation due to choking, drowning, smothering or sleep apnea. These situations can cause low blood oxygen which leads to short-term memory loss. In addition, a number of infections may result in short-term memory loss. Lyme disease is a primary example. Malignant or benign brain tumors may cause some short-term memory loss events. Severe stress levels can cause a number of mental disorders including memory loss.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol, damage brain cells and affect memory. Prolonged the depression leads to more extensive damage. Similarly, hormonal imbalance, such as that sometimes experienced in menopause, sometimes result in memory loss symptoms in women. Drug and alcohol usage can cause depression that results in memory loss, or can damage brain cells directly.
Short-term memory loss treatment
Short term memory loss can sometimes be effectively treated with dietary measures. High concentrations of leafy vegetables, fish, legumes, cereals and fruit have proven to be beneficial. On the other hand, red meat, saturated fats and alcohol accelerate the loss of memory. Mental exercise has proven beneficial. As well, a healthy lifestyle will have positive effects on both mental and physical health. Rehearsal, which is the practice of repetition, helps the brain organize material for recall. Although individuals can take measures to improve their memories, there is no substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment. Folks who are experiencing sudden, noticeable short term memory loss are advised to consult a physician immediately.