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Short-term memory loss is when you forget things that have happened recently, such as an event or something you did, saw, or heard. It can be caused by a number of factors, including a nutritional deficiency, sleep deprivation, depression, side effects of some medications, or dementia. If you are suffering from short-term memory loss, it is important to speak to your doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of Memory Loss
Many of us experience some degree of memory problems at some point in our lives, and that, along with a modest decline in other cognitive skills, is common with aging. Short-term memory loss is something that should not be taken lightly and should be investigated further. Some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions, and memory loss can often be reversed when the condition is treated correctly. Possible causes of reversible memory loss can include:
- Minor head injury/trauma such as concussion
- Side effects of some medications
- A vitamin or thyroid deficiency
- Emotional disorders such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- A brain disease such as an infection or tumor
- Functional cognitive disorder (FCD)
- Alcoholism
- Sleep problems such as sleep apnea and sleep deprivation
- Smoking
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Dementia
Dementia is a neurologic condition that is associated with a group of cognitive and psychological symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily life. It can be caused by several different diseases and, depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms can be reversed. The specific cause of dementia is related to damaged nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Dementia can affect people in different ways, depending on which area of the brain is affected. Symptoms of dementia may include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion and disorientation
- Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as easily getting lost
- Difficulty with communicating coherently
- Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
- Trouble planning and organizing
- Inability to handle complex tasks
- Poor coordination and motor function
- Psychological changes such as personality changes, inappropriate behavior, depression, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucination
Diagnosing Memory Loss
If you are becoming increasingly forgetful or are concerned about memory loss, you should visit your doctor. There are a variety of tests available to help diagnose the cause and to measure the degree of memory impairment. Your doctor will carry out a physical evaluation, check your medical history, and ask you questions about your memory and thinking skills. A blood test may also be requested. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further investigation into your memory loss and to determine the most appropriate care for your condition.
Accurately diagnosing a patient’s specific type of dementia requires a range of cognitive and neurological tests. The tests are used to evaluate symptoms and to identify the underlying cause. These tests include:
- Cognitive and neuropsychological tests
- Neurological evaluation
- Laboratory testing
- Brain scans
Short Term Memory Treatment
Treatment can vary and will depend on what is contributing to your memory loss. If a condition such as depression or a sleep problem is the main contributor to memory loss, treatment aims to treat the underlying condition, with the aim of reversing the memory loss. Other ways of treating short term memory loss include:
- Changes to medications if they are thought to be the cause
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for head injury-related memory loss
- Medication and surgery for conditions such as blood clots, bleeding on the brain, and brain tumors
- Nutritional supplements to treat vitamin deficiencies
- Rehabilitation for drug or alcohol misuse
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Making positive changes to lifestyle and diet have been shown to help improve memory, particularly short-term memory, and can help to lower your risk of developing memory loss in the future. Changes include:
- Being physically active to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein, as well as less saturated fat, sugar, and salt
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
- Keeping your brain mentally active and stimulated through challenging activities like puzzles and games
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing and treating chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension successfully
- Creating a schedule or to-do-list to help you manage daily activities better
Treatment for Dementia
Although a majority of dementia cases cannot be cured, symptoms can often be managed well with medication and therapy tailored to the specific condition and needs of the patient. Treatment is often much more effective when the condition is diagnosed in the early stages. If dementia is left untreated, symptoms can have a significant effect on the quality of life and lead to a variety of health and medical complications.
Short Term Memory Treatment in Southeast Michigan
If you are experiencing short-term memory loss, speak to the experienced neurologists at Associates in Neurology. Our experienced physicians have the advanced training and technology to effectively diagnose the cause of your memory loss.
If you would like to find out more about the services and treatments we provide or to arrange a consultation at one of our convenient locations, call us at (248) 478-5512. Alternatively, you can use our secure Request an Appointment form to schedule your visit.
