Memory Loss: Here Are Four Causes Of Forgetfulness

THE NATION REPORTERS reports that occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life that becomes more common as we grow older but can be quite worrisome if it happens more often and begins to tamper with our daily activities. Forgetting where you put your eyeglasses is one thing; forgetting what they are used for is entirely another.

There are moments you’ve walked into a room and forgotten why you went there, or misplaced your housekeys at least a few times. We all worry about these memory lapses. In this article, I will be listing four shocking causes of forgetfulness that you never thought about and if not stopped can lead to a serious condition like Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible brain illness.

1. Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough amount of sleep has so many disadvantages and one of it is forgetfulness.Too little restful sleep leads to mood changes and anxiety, which in turn contribute to problems with memory. It is the greatest underrated cause of forgetfulness.

2. Medications.

Antidepressants, tranquilizers, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications can affect memory, usually by causing sedation or confusion. This is why we need to pay close attention to the changes in our body and health when using a new drug. Examples of such drugs are Paroxetine (Paxil), Cimetidine (Tegamet), Oxybutynin (Ditropan), Tolterodine ( Detrol, Deteusitol) etc. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that a new medication is taking the edge off your memory and you will definitely be given alternatives.

3. Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with short-term memory, even after the effects of alcohol have worn off. One should therefore drink responsibly and stick with the recommendation of no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one a day for women. One drink is generally defined as 1.5 ounces (1 shot glass) of 80-proof spirits, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer.

4. Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

Anything that makes it harder to concentrate and process new information and skills can lead to memory problems. Stress and anxiety fit the description above. Both can interfere with attention and block the formation of new memories or the retrieval of old ones. On the other hand, stress and anxiety alleadads to depression which therefore makes forgetfulness to be a sign of depression or a consequence of it.