Home Remedies and Herbs for Memory Loss

What Causes Memory Loss?

Memory loss is often associated with dementia, which is a term that encompasses several symptoms, including memory loss, impaired judgement, and problems with language or thinking.¹ There are several different types of dementia, and it’s possible to have more than one type. The most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not clear what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it is known to be a disease that affects brain cells and abnormal proteins in the brain.² Risk factors include:

• Old age
• Family history of Alzheimer’s
• Down syndrome
• Long-term high blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Head trauma

However, Alzheimer’s disease is not the only cause of memory loss. Amnesia is another condition that results in difficulty forming new memories.³ This type of memory loss typically occurs due to brain damage, which can happen due to stroke, viruses, long-term alcohol use, lack of oxygen, seizures, and certain medications.⁴

Memory loss causes also include Parkinson’s disease. This is a progressive neurological disease that typically affects older generations.⁵ It’s not known what causes Parkinson’s disease and the associated memory problems, but it’s believed to involve a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Memory Loss Symptoms

The first signs of memory loss may include:

• Misplacing items
• Getting lost in familiar areas
• Asking the same question multiple times
• Forgetting common words
• Changes in behavior or mood

Memory loss itself is a symptom and has no single cause. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing memory problems. In most cases, however, memory loss won’t be the only or the first symptom that something is wrong. In the case of dementia, other symptoms may include:

• Disorientation
• Trouble thinking critically
• Language difficulties
• Trouble completing familiar tasks
• Difficulty remembering faces
• Impaired judgement
• Personality changes
• Agitation
• Confusion

Other symptoms will arise depending on the cause of memory loss. In Parkinson’s disease patients, for example, symptoms also include tremors, slowed movement, speech problems, digestive issues, and more.⁵ 

Although there may be no cure for memory loss depending on the cause, various herbal remedies and prescription medications can help slow the progression.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326
2. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/alzheimers-disease
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amnesia/basics/definition/con-20033182
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amnesia/basics/causes/con-20033182
5. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/parkinsons-disease
6. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/dementia