Memory Loss Causes

The causes of memory loss are varied and the result or kind of memory loss in turn varies depending on the cause.



While forgetfulness is not uncommon, particularly for things that we tend to regard as unimportant, some of us have memories that are naturally weaker or stronger. Memory loss becomes a problem when the loss of memory is something out of the ordinary or when it becomes a hindrance to the affected person’s day to day functioning.

What causes memory loss?

There are quite a few memory loss causes that could include certain situations that may affect your memory, making you more forgetful than you are under normal circumstances.



These include the following:

• Poor concentration is a very common memory loss cause. When our concentration is weak we tend to not notice things and so retention and recalling of such events is also weak.
  
  
  
  Poor concentration stems from being bored or tired, but can at times also be a sign of depression and anxiety.
• Depression is one of the most common causes of short term memory loss as it severely impairs the thought process.
• Physical illness is another memory loss cause with the effects generally being temporary.  Feelings of illness have a marked affect on concentration and memory. Certain illnesses in fact have a direct effect on the way the brain works. For example, in the case of an individual with an underactive thyroid, the body's functions are slowed down, including the brain.  This can affect the memory, making you more forgetful.
• Aging is the most common cause of memory loss and is quite natural.
  
  
  
  This process is referred to as 'age associated memory impairment'. Many people aged over fifty to sixty suffer from this common problem. It is however not a cause for concern and is only serious if the extent of memory loss is beyond the normal and to such an extent that day to day functioning becomes a problem. For example learning new skills and absorbing any new knowledge becomes much harder with our progressing age. According to some researchers as we age the more we stimulate and exercise our brains the slower the decline as this could counter the memory loss aging process.
• Dementia is another cause of memory loss and is probably the most serious form of memory problems, as it can also involve personality changes that may actually stem from the memory loss itself.