Causes of Short Term Memory Loss

It is very easy to put short term memory loss down to old age. And say that it is
but natural to start forgetting things as you age. However, while this may be
true, there are several other causes of short term memory loss that should not be
ignored as they could be signalling to more complex problems.

Let�s have a look at some of these more complex matters, for example:

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

Another problem associated with modern living is the tendency to skip meals during
the day and making up with a large heavy meal at night. People that starve
themselves then have a big meal often have very instable blood sugar levels. Low
blood sugar can lead the brain to get sleepy and groggy and hence become one of
the causes of short term memory loss. 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

Again as a part of the aging process, hormonal imbalance is often a cause of short
term memory loss as menopause sets in and estrogen levels start to dwindle.
Although hormone replacement therapies and other such treatments and preventions
have become common today, this 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.

As they say �If you don�t use it you will lose it�, it is therefore very important
to keep your mind and body active ensuring good blood circulation. Don�t sucome to
the trappings of the modern sedentary lifestyle be active in both body and mind.

Authors Biography: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications

pertaining to Alternative Medicine, Herbal Medicine for more information on Memory
Loss visit http://www.memoryadvisory.com