While there is no specific or instant 'cure' for memory problems, recovery can naturally occur as the brain heals over time.
Typical memory function involves many parts of the brain. Any disease or injury that affects the brain can affect memory. Amnesia can result from damage to brain structures that form the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories.
If your loved one's long-term memory loss is a symptom of an underlying disorder that causes progressive cognitive decline, then yes, it will be permanent. However, if caught in its early stages and treated with medication and cognitive stimulation, you can slow the progress of such diseases.
Regular, non-strenuous exercise is one of the best activities you can do to improve short-term memory after brain injury. According to several studies, aerobic exercise actually stimulates the growth of new brain cells and improves memory and cognition.
After a moderate to severe TBI, you may have more trouble remembering things from day to day. Research has found very few ways to restore the brain's natural ability to learn and remember. One or two medicines may be worth trying (ask your doctor). But “brain training” programs and memory drills don't really help.
Dr. Lyden: Often people over the age of 50 begin to forget names and specific information. They may misplace their keys more often or need to pause and remember directions.
Almost 40% of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old. But even if we experience memory loss, chances are still unlikely that we have dementia.
Possible culprits include: antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and pain medications given after surgery. Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use. Excessive alcohol use has long been recognized as a cause of memory loss.
Common types of dementia associated with memory loss are: Alzheimer disease. Vascular dementia. Lewy body dementia.
The Mini-Cog test.
A third test, known as the Mini-Cog, takes 2 to 4 minutes to administer and involves asking patients to recall three words after drawing a picture of a clock. If a patient shows no difficulties recalling the words, it is inferred that he or she does not have dementia.
Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.
For most people with Alzheimer's — those who have the late-onset variety — symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or later. When the disease develops before age 65, it's considered early-onset Alzheimer's, which can begin as early as a person's 30s, although this is rare.
Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.
Cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept®, Exelon®, Razadyne®)
Cholinesterase (KOH-luh-NES-ter-ays) inhibitors are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment and other thought processes.
You have trouble following a conversation. You find it hard to make decisions, finish a task or follow instructions. You start to have trouble finding your way around places you know well. You begin to have poor judgment.
Age-related memory loss and dementia are very different conditions, though they may share some overlap in symptoms. However, normal forgetfulness is often caused by lack of focus and it never progresses into serious territory. Dementia, on the other hand, will get worse over time.
People who use post-it notes or electronic reminders are likely to be experiencing “normal” forgetfulness. On the other hand, people who don't remember what their reminders are there for, may be displaying symptoms of dementia. Transience is when the brain forgets some memories over time.
Exposure to vitamin D was associated with significantly higher dementia-free survival, compared to no exposure (Figure 2A). The 5-year survival for D− was 68.4% (95% CI: 67.1%–69.7%), while for D+ it was 83.6% (95% CI: 82.3%–84.9%). MCI was associated with lower dementia-free survival than NC, as expected.
Berries, fish, and leafy green vegetables are 3 of the best foods that fight memory loss. There's a mountain of evidence showing they support and protect brain health.
The five-minute cognitive test (FCT) was designed to capture deficits in five domains of cognitive abilities, including episodic memory, language fluency, time orientation, visuospatial function, and executive function.