What is short-term memory loss?
Short-term memory loss is a symptom that happens to many people as they age. That's when you forget things you saw, heard, or did recently. However, it can also signify a much deeper problem, such as dementia, Alzheimer's, brain injury, or a psychological health issue.
There are many causes for this condition, including sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, bacterial infections, depression, or a side effect of certain medications.
Short-term memory loss leads to many risks in life
What are the symptoms of it?
In fact, some cases of short-term memory loss occur at a fairly early age. However, most people don't notice it. It's as simple as:
- Forgetting where to put something.
- Forgetting a recent event.
- Ask the same questions.
- Forgetting something you've read or seen recently.
How is short-term memory loss diagnosed?
Because there are so many causes, it cannot be easy to diagnose the root cause of each case. First, your doctor will ask you some questions about your current condition, such as how long the symptoms have been present, at what frequency, and how you are trying to deal with memory loss.
They also ask you about:
- All medications you take
- How much you consume alcohol
- Sleep and diet habits
- How you've been feeling mentally
- Your lifestyle and general health
- Recent illnesses or injuries
Second, your doctor will check for potential health problems with a general physical exam. They may order blood tests to check for other conditions, such as vitamin infections or deficiencies, which may help explain your signs.
Next, they may recommend a brain scan such as a CT or MRI scan to find the physical cause of your memory loss. Or they do cognitive tests to check your memory problems more closely. E.g.:
- talking with you about recent events
- asking basic questions, such as where you live and what the date is
- asking you to do basic spelling or math
- testing your attention level by seeing how well you can finish a task or thought
- testing your problem-solving skills in specific situations
- Then, depending on what they find out, your doctor will refer you to an expert, such as a psychologist, for extra cognitive and memory testing.
What causes short-term memory loss?
Many of us experience short-term memory loss at some point in our lives. But it is often taken lightly and improperly treated. Here are some potential causes of short-term memory loss:
- aging
- head injury, such as concussion
- Side effects of medications
- infection or tumor
- a vitamin or mineral deficiency
- emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, or stress
- sleep deprivation
- blood clot or bleeding in the brain
- alcoholism
- dementia, such as Lewy body dementia or Alzheimer's
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- diseases that damage brain tissue, such as Huntington's or Parkinson's
Treatment for short term memory loss
The treatment for short-term memory loss will depend on what contributes to memory loss. Some of the treatments include:
- cognitive behavior therapy for head injury
- change medicine
- surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for brain tumors
- nutritional supplements
- surgery and medication for conditions such as blood clots or bleeding in the brain
- rehab for substance use disorder
There is no cure for memory diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. However, some medications and supplements can help slow the progression or prevent these diseases early on.
Some treatments immediately work, such as changing medications or taking supplements.
Home remedies for short-term memory
Take vitamin or fish oil supplements
In cases where a B-12 deficiency causes short-term memory loss, taking a vitamin supplement is essential. However, even though these vitamin supplements are safe, there is a conflicting research study on whether they help with memory loss.
Fish oil is a supplement you may have heard assists in boosting memory. A Cochrane evaluation discovered that fish oil does not have significant cognitive advantages for healthy older grownups.
Take nutritional supplements
There is a lot of evidence that taking supplements containing natural ingredients has a beneficial effect on memory loss. For example, ProMind Complex - a supplement that contains seven premium natural ingredients that provide the brain with a whole host of essential nutrients which you cannot get through a regular diet, help boost brain function, improve brain health and prevent memory diseases like short-term memory loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia. See more of this promising product in our ProMind Complex reviews.
Curcumin
Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, has been said to help enhance cognitive function, including memory. A review of curcumin's effects on Alzheimer's found it positively affects people with the condition. However, the researchers say more research is needed.
Lifestyle modifications
- Get enough sleep
- Maintain a regular exercise regimen
- Consume healthy foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains
- Solve puzzles and other mind games.
- Reduce distractions by eliminating clutter around the house
- Make a to-do list, a to-buy list, and schedules to assist you in staying on track
When to see a doctor
Short-term memory loss will lead to many risks in life. It can affect your ability to:
- take care of yourself
- take medicine safely
- complete the work
- drive
If it interferes with your daily life or causes you anxiety, you should see your doctor, especially as you get older.
