​​​​​​​Memory is a very important element to move forward in human life. People may lose memory for a variety of reasons. Sometimes memory loss can occur for a short time and sometimes it can be long term. So, knowing the reasons for memory loss will help prevent it. Further, the proper knowledge of symptoms will help anyone to seek help before the problem becomes worse.

What is memory loss?

Usually, memory loss is defined as unusual forgetfulness. When a person cannot remember new events and cannot recall one or more past memories, a memory loss may occur. It can stay for a short time and then resolve by itself. Or, it can happen for a long time and may not go away and depending on the reason it may get worse overtime. In severe cases, this kind of memory impairment may hamper the daily living activity 

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Type of memory loss

Scientists have found three types of memory loss: short term memory loss, long term memory loss and mild Cognitive Impairment. All of these memory loss problems have their own symptoms and causes.

Short term memory loss

Usually, the short-term memory stores the information for 30 seconds and with the short term memory loss problem people may forget the things that have happened recently. Although it is a normal event for the aging person, it can also indicate something more serious. 

Symptoms of short-term memory loss

There are some common problems that might indicate that someone is facing short term memory loss. People with this problem tend to forget recent events. For example, forgetting something that has been seen or read recently and forgetting recent events. Sometimes people also tend to forget that he/she already asked a question. 

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Long term memory loss

Human brain’s long-term memory stores the information over time. Further, it has unlimited storage of events, facts, etc.  However, this unlimited memory can weaken with age, which is normal. With age the brain’s usual processing speed may get slow and sometimes it can be challenging for multitasking. Although the processing speed is reduced, memory, knowledge and skill stay steady. The usual age-related problems include facing trouble finding the right word, losing things often, and occasionally forgetting appointments, names, but remembering them later. These symptoms are totally fine, but losing skills can be a signal of serious problems.

Symptoms of long-term memory loss

There are few top reasons that indicate a person is facing long-term memory loss. If anyone faces new problems with speaking and writing, such as struggling with vocabulary, this might be a symptom of long-term memory loss. Further, changes in mood or behavior, confused about time or place and facing difficulties completing familiar daily tasks. All these are the most common symptoms of long term memory loss.

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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Some older people may face problems with memory that are noticeable, but are not serious to affect daily function. This kind of memory loss problem is called mild cognitive impairment. However, mild cognitive impairment is not that severe like the memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia disease. As a result, people with mild cognitive impairment don’t face personality change problems that are usually faced by the Alzheimer patient.

Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment may include losing things often, forgetting the events or appointments frequently, sometimes having trouble coming up with the right word. Usually, the MCI problem is seen as the people age. Further, depression, diabetic, stroke can increase the risk. MCI symptoms can lead to more serious memory issues. Hence, doctors’ consultation is necessary.

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Common reasons of memory loss

If anyone doesn't remember what they did a while ago, or forget what they have studied worked. Then the person might be facing the issues with memory loss or the memory has become weak. So, it is necessary to know the causes of memory loss.

Lack of sleep

One of the reasons for memory loss or impairment is not getting enough sleep at the right time. Less sleep or waking up at night can lead to poor memory. Many of us have this habit - staying up at night on purpose, even if it is very necessary to sleep, not going to sleep and sleeping less due to various work pressures. This is how people are constantly wasting their memory. So, it is necessary to get enough sleep every day. In other words, make it a habit to sleep at least 7-8 hours regularly.

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Stay under continuous pressure

One of the reasons for memory loss is mental pressure. Excessive stress can make one’s body and brain sick very easily. Expert doctors always advise to stay away from mental stress because it is harmful. Hence, stress plays a huge role in reducing memory.

Lack of nutritious food

Lack of regular nutritious food may cause a lot of memory loss. One of the basic needs for the human body is nutritious food. No one can survive without food and like that just without eating regular nutritious food anyone can get sick very easily. So, to keep the body and the brain healthy there is no alternative to eating healthy food regularly.

Depression

Depression and loneliness put pressure on the brain, which causes a lot of damage to the brain. Always thinking and doing the same task over and over again can create a lot of big problems in life. It is also highly harmful for the body. When there is more depression or loneliness, the brain remains under a lot of stress and gradually the memory starts to decline.

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When to seek help?

Sometimes people forget the things that they have done hours ago. It may happen due to anxiety, tiredness, sleeplessness or diverse reasons. But if such incidences occur frequently, then it needs to be considered with a bit more seriousness. 

Whenever anyone faces issues with memory loss or has any symptoms, doctors’ consultation is necessary. Even if the issue is short term or negligible, seeking a doctor’s help and proper checkup should be done. Apart from the doctor’s help, medicine as well as service and care, love, family, social and organizational support are needed. Although the brain of these patients loses memory, it does not lose the power of perception, ego, respect and personality. Hence, the patient does not expect any negligence, carelessness or abuse. Moreover, the patient remains anxious, worried and helpless because of the disability and hopes for a faithful person to stay by side.

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