Hidden Causes of Memory Loss
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You've forgotten where you put your glasses... the name of your second cousin from Detroit... and the ending
of a movie you saw just last week. Memory lapses are an annoyance, but when they occur more frequently
than usual, many people wonder if it is Alzheimer's disease. Relax. The dreaded brain disease actually is
responsible for only 10% of memory problems. In fact, most
causes of memory difficulties can actually be corrected.
Memory Enemy #1: Depression
The most common cause of failing memory is depression. This widespread emotional disorder often slows
recall. Example: You can't remember a book title or the name of an acquaintance, but it comes back to you if
someone provides a hint or you see a picture of the person.
Although Alzheimer's disease actually destroys parts of the brain, depression causes the cells that activate
memory to become sluggish. That's because neurotransmitters that carry messages between the cells
(especially serotonin and norepinephrine) are in short supply in depressed people. In other words, the
memory machinery is still there, but it's not working well.
Depression can strike at any age -- and all too often, it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Why: Those who
are so severely depressed that they can't work or keep up their normal relationships know that something is
wrong. With mild to moderate depression, however, sufferers are able to go about their business, pretending
that everything is fine even though life has lost much of its sparkle.
Look for these subtle signs...
Sadness. You can't shake your low mood even when you're at work, with friends or at leisure.
Lack of pleasure. Things you used to enjoy no longer feel good.
Apathy. You're not as interested in life... in your friends and family... in sex and intimacy.
Hopelessness. You can't imagine that things will get better.
Beware: A depressed person may be convinced that his/her memory loss means that he has Alzheimer's
(especially if the disease runs in his family). This may make him more depressed and cause his memory to
get worse.
Solution: Antidepressant medication can restore memory by rebalancing neurotransmitter levels.
Important: Severe depression can impair memory so badly that it's hard to distinguish from Alzheimer's
disease -- a condition called pseudodementia. The difference? When you treat the depression, memory
returns.
On the other hand, depression is occasionally an early symptom of Alzheimer's. In this case, mood improves
with treatment, but memory remains impaired.
Circulatory Problems
Cardiovascular disease impairs blood flow to the brain, thus reducing the oxygen and nutrients reaching this
vital organ. Long before visible changes occur, tiny parts of the brain may be damaged by mini-strokes (small
blood vessel blockages).
Tip-off: Failing memory is accompanied by other symptoms, such as slowed thinking and walking.
Solution: If cholesterol is high, adopt a healthful lifestyle that includes a low-fat diet and exercise. Take
medication, if needed.
Important: Also correct high blood pressure aggressively with diet, exercise and medication. In one European
study, memory improved when blood pressure returned to normal levels.
Medication and Memory
A number of commonly used drugs can impair your ability to remember. Biggest culprits...
Acid reflux and ulcer medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac).
Antianxiety drugs, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and cephalexin (Keflex).
Antihistamines and decongestants, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Beta-blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease, such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol
(Tenormin).
Tip-off: Consider the timing. Did memory problems start or worsen when you began a new prescription?
Solution: Speak with your doctor about alternative medication. It often is only a matter of individual chemistry --
switching to a similar drug may leave your memory intact.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
As we age, our bodies absorb this vitamin less efficiently from food. However, it is essential for healthy brain
function. A blood test to check levels of vitamin B-12 should be routine for people over age 60 who have
memory problems. If it's low, consider taking supplements, preferably by monthly injection to ensure that the
vitamin is properly absorbed.
Thyroid Dysfunction
An over- or underactive thyroid gland can impair memory. When the gland problem is treated with medication,
recall improves.
Tip-off: Symptoms, such as a rapid pulse, sweating and nervousness, may indicate an overactive thyroid.
Fatigue, obesity and depression may occur when the thyroid is underactive.
Stress
Stress stimulates the brain in the short run. Attention is heightened, and memory actually may improve. But
chronic stress exhausts the brain, causing loss of focus and memory trouble. Problems are compounded
when stress interferes with sleep. Memory is one of the first casualties of inadequate rest.
To reduce stress, include a relaxation technique, such as meditation or deep breathing, in your daily
schedule. Work on changing your perspective. If you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself whether everything you're
doing is truly necessary. Remember, your health is at stake.
Self-Defense
If you're suffering from one condition, such as stress, high blood pressure or a marginal shortage of vitamin
B-12, the damage to your memory may be too slight to notice. But put them together, and you have a problem.
Every condition you correct sharpens your memory.
Other brain-strengthening practices that reduce overall wear and tear on the brain...
Exercise. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and reduces stress. It also stimulates the
release of nerve growth factors, proteins in the brain that help brain cells heal minor injuries and promote
new connections between brain cells. Get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times weekly.
Exercise intensity should be at least at the level of brisk walking.
Get your antioxidants. In addition to getting at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, ask your doctor
about taking 400 international units (IU) to 1,000 IU of vitamin E daily for extra brain protection.
Stay mentally active. Memorizing your grocery list, taking a dance class, doing crossword puzzles, etc. tones
brain cells in the same way that physical activity tones muscles.
