8 Causes of Memory Loss

Memory-loss cause #1: Chronic stress:

Why it happens: When the body goes on hyperalert to face a crisis, a series of biochemical changes takes place that fuels the fight-or-flight response system. The chemical cortisol increases in the brain, for example, to mobilize energy and alertness. That's great when a saber-toothed tiger is chasing you. But when tension and anxiety become chronic, as with work or family problems, the system is overloaded with substances that are intended for emergency use only.


Result: The brain actually loses cells and has trouble forming new neurons. This creates problems with cognitive thinking, especially with regard to retaining new information.

Memory-loss cause #2: Depression:

Why it happens: Depression is usually linked to low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter connected to the arousal system. Concentration and focus are affected, impairing the ability to properly store new memories. It doesn't help that some depressed individuals dwell on sad events of the past, which can contribute to a lack of attention to the present, which in turn makes it harder to store short-term memories.

Three groups especially vulnerable to depression: older adults, caregivers, and people with dementia. When depression symptoms are treated, memory problems mistaken for dementia often disappear. In people with dementia, symptoms often improve with treatment (they may even go away completely for those with mild-stage dementia).

Memory-loss cause #3: Medications:

Why it happens: Drugs affect the entire system, and some interfere with the ability of brain cells to communicate. Sometimes this effect is produced by dangerous interactions between two different drugs -- a common problem for older adults, who often have multiple prescriptions.

Memory-loss cause #4: Malfunctioning thyroid:

Why it happens: In hypothyroidism, the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. The entire body, including the brain, is affected when metabolism runs too slowly. Cognitive problems are often an early warning sign of thyroid issues. Researchers are also investigating a possible connection, among women, between Alzheimer's and too high (hyperthyroidism) or too low (hypothyroidism) amounts of the thyroid hormone thyrotropin. (The association hasn't been seen in men.)

Memory-loss cause #5: Pregnancy or menopause:

Why it happens: Changing estrogen levels at key points in a woman's reproductive life can affect other brain chemicals estrogen interacts with. Hence, the so-called "fuzzy brain" of pregnancy and the "brain drain" of perimenopause. A 2010 study at the University of Bradford in England found that maternal memory problems are worst from the second trimester through three months postpartum, though not all women are affected.

What's more, these life passages are also times when women tend to be distracted by other intense symptoms (from excitement and nausea in pregnancy to menopausal hot flashes). Distraction adds to forgetfulness because information is not attended to, and therefore never stored.

Memory-loss cause #6: Excessive drinking:

Why it happens: Heavy drinking doesn't just damage the liver and kidneys. Imaging studies have shown proof of brain impairment, too. Shrinkage is worst in the frontal lobe, which governs higher intellectual functions, although other structures are also affected -- including those involved in memory.

Long-term excessive drinking can cause a condition called Korsakoff syndrome, a form of alcohol-induced dementia.

Memory-loss cause #7: Concussion/head injury:

Why it happens: It's little surprise that, although the brain is protected by a thick skull, brain tissue is vulnerable to trauma. Traumatic brain injury (TMI) can be caused by the brain tissue slamming into the skull itself during a fall or sharp blow, or by an object piercing the skull -- a more obvious explanation for memory loss. The force of impact can cause direct damage or bleeding that causes more widespread problems.

Memory-loss cause #8: Normal aging:

Why it happens: Memory lapses aren't always a sign that something's wrong. Sometimes they're normal. After all, the brain starts its gradual decline as early as during one's late 20s and early 30s. By the late 40s and early 50s, most people get that "now why did I come into this room?" feeling and have occasional trouble remembering names of new acquaintances or items on shopping lists.


Please do your best to remain healthy and watch your lifestyles... Have a nice week ahead.


Bests regards.