A mild decline in memory and the rate of information processing occurs normally with age, but does not affect daily function and does not generally progress. Memory loss can be partial or total. Most memory loss occurs as part of the normal aging process. However, memory loss may also occur as a result of severe emotional trauma or due to brain damage following disease or physical trauma. Memory loss can be described as amnesia, forgetfulness, or impaired memory.

Causes and Symptoms

The following are common causes of memory loss:

• Aging. A person loses nerve cells at the rate of 1% per year, even without a disease associated with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease. The body stops growing new nerve cells after age 25. Therefore, by the time a person reaches 70 years of age, he or she will probably have lost at least one-third of his or her memory functioning.



• Depression. Depression can cause memory loss at any age. This is one of the main reasons for forgetfulness in the elderly. Depression-related memory loss is a treatable condition.



• Diseases. Memory loss can result from such chronic disease conditions as diabetes or hypothyroidism.



• Oxygen deprivation. Such conditions as severe head trauma, surgery, strokes, or heart attacks cause a sudden reduction of oxygen to the brain, which causes widespread death of nerve cells and significant memory loss.

Treatment

• Reduce sugar intake.



• Avoid eating foods that contain such additives as artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, and artificial colors. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and become toxic, causing brain damage and memory loss.



• Eat organically grown foods that are not contaminated with pesticides or insecticides. These toxic chemicals can affect nerve function and cause memory loss.


• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.



• Do not use illicit drugs.



• Drink only filtered water to avoid toxic chemicals in the water system.

Get enough protein. Protein is necessary to maintain healthy muscles, organs, nerve cells and it also helps maintain blood sugar levels