MEMORY LOSS
If you are worried that you, or someone you know, may be suffering from increased memory loss which may be a symptom of a medical condition, please see the links at the bottom of this page. There are organizations offering free advice and support. They can help you find the professional help you may need - do not be alone.
Natural Memory Loss - Memory is but one of many mental and physical functions the brain performs. All of these functions can be expected to suffer decline in performance as we age. Loss of memories can happen at all ages and many neuroscientists suggest the ability to forget is vital in keeping the mind healthy - uncluttered of useless information when performing cognitive thought. Also, the ability to willfully forget is seen as an advantage. Unpleasant memories, such as the times we were terrified, or chronically embarrassed by the stupid things we have said or done, can lead to low self esteem and depression. The inability to reduce or clear the memory of traumatic events and the inability to clear the mind of useless information has been linked to diminished mental health, as both cause and effect.
Lifestyle and Memory Loss - The performance of the mind is affected by our physical condition. Before we jump to any conclusions about premature memory loss, we can ask ourselves a few simple questions and try to be honest in our answers.
Am I getting enough sleep?
Am I under stress because of work or family demands?
Do I suffer depression?
Recreational drugs or alcohol consumption?
Medical drug consumption?
Do I eat a balanced diet?
Do I eat too much sugar?
Am I overweight?
Do I exercise enough?
If you, or someone you know, does have memory loss and will not, or can not, address the above issues, please still seek professional advice, there may be an underlying medical cause.
(I have tried to find a link for all English speaking nations so you can at least make a starting point for a dialogue to get help. Unfortunately not all citizens of the world as blessed with national support organizations and indeed in many countries there is a stigma attached to dementia and Alzheimer's)