Cures for Memory Loss

Memory loss occurs in varying degrees of severity, from brief memory lapses to long-term conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. In general, brain function starts to diminish slightly with age as a person matures through the last stages of life. However, this does not always occur and age is not always a factor when it comes to memory loss. Short-term memory lapses may occur when you are distracted, depressed or lacking proper nutrition and exercise. Long-term memory loss such as forgetting the names of family or friends is a more serious condition that should be addressed immediately. No definitive cures for memory loss exist yet, but there are several treatment options.

Reasons for Memory Loss

• Various factors are involved in memory loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, memory loss sometimes occurs as a result of insufficient nutrients in the diet. Poor eating habits may limit the supply of essential nutrients that the brain needs to operate at full capacity. Unhealthy diets contribute to nutritional deficiencies and expose your body to harmful toxins that may interfere with proper neurotransmitter function in the brain.
  The Mayo Clinic also cites health conditions such as allergies, low blood sugar, poor circulation, stress and thyroid disorders as possible causes of memory loss. Other factors leading to memory problems include consumption of alcohol, smoking cigarettes and doing drugs. Blackouts are common for alcoholics and drug users, and cigarette smokers may also impair their ability to recollect information since smoking inhibits the flow of oxygen to the brain.
  One last factor is genetics. A person's genetic composition may put him at risk for developing memory loss problems.

Drug Treatments

• Currently, there are no cures for severe cases of memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may prescribe two varieties of medication to help treat symptoms and slow down cognitive decay. The first group of medications are cholinesterase inhibitors. This kind of drugs may improve neurotransmitter function in the brain, but only 50 percent of people taking this kind of medication show signs of improvement. Side effects include violent nausea and diarrhea, causing some users to stop taking the medication. The kind of drug used to treat memory loss conditions such as Alzheimer's is Memantine, which shields brain cells from damage using a chemical called glutamate. This medication may be taken in tandem with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Side effects include dizziness, irritation and delusional behavior.

Diet

• According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a healthy diet may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and improve brain function. Recommended foods include fruits, vegetables, fish, lean poultry, whole grains and legumes. These kinds of foods contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Choose foods or supplements rich in vitamin B, riboflavin, iron and zinc, all linked to brain function. Eliminate processed and artificial foods from your diet and stay away from saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt.

Physical Exercise

• Another proactive approach to improving your memory is regular physical exercise. A study at Utah State University found that aerobic exercise may help enhance short-term memory capabilities. According to Dr. Richard Gordon of the USU study, aerobic exercise increases oxygen flow throughout the body and raises glucose metabolism. This may correspond directly to improved memory. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that physical activity may decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Mental Exercise

• You can exercise your mind as well as your body. Mental fitness is achieved by reading or playing games that challenge your brain to focus. Image recollection games like Memory are ideal for giving your brain a quick workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular mental exercise may delay or prevent the onset of dementia by promoting the growth and function of synapses and neurons in the brain.

Lifestyle Choices

• Your lifestyle choices also affect your memory abilities. Drinking alcohol in excess often leads to short-term memory loss, referred to as blackouts. Aside from forgetting what took place while you were drunk, alcohol also limits your long-term cognitive skills if you drink heavily for extended periods of time. Smoking cigarettes damages the brain by limiting oxygen flow. Obviously, taking illicit drugs of any kind may also harm your brain.