As we get older, we experience a gradual loss of brain cells. This can affect the way we store and retrieve information. Our short-term memory progressively declines, causing difficulty in remembering details of recent events as well as a diminished ability to learn. For example, it can be harder for some people to recall some types of information, such as the names of individuals.

In addition to aging, memory loss can occur for a variety of reasons.

• Medications. Examples of medications that can interfere with memory include over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills, over-the-counter antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, some medications used to treat schizophrenia, and pain medicines used after surgery.
• Alcohol and illicit drug use. Heavy alcohol use can cause deficiencies in vitamin B1 (thiamine), which can harm memory. Both alcohol and illicit drugs can change chemicals in the brain that affect memory.
• Stress. Stress, particularly due to emotional trauma, can cause memory loss.
• Depression. Depression, which is common with aging, causes a lack of attention and focus that can affect memory.
• Head injury. A blow to the head can cause a loss of consciousness and memory loss.
• Thyroid dysfunction. An underactive or overactive thyroid can interfere with remembering recent events.
• Sleep deprivation. Lack of quality sleep--whether from stress, insomnia, or sleep apnea--can affect memory.
• Nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies of vitamins B1 and B12 can affect memory. Such deficiencies can be treated with a pill or an injection.

 

Five Recommended Lifestyle Changes

• Lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. A number of studies in recent years have suggested that vascular diseases--heart disease and stroke--may contribute to the development of AD, the severity of AD, or the development of multi-infarct dementia (also called vascular dementia).
• Don't smoke or abuse alcohol. According to a recent research report from Harvard Medical School, "Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Memory Loss," smokers perform worse than nonsmokers in studies of memory and thinking skills. Heavy alcohol use can also impair memory.
• Get regular exercise. Physical activity may help maintain blood flow to the brain and reduce risk factors associated with dementia.
• Maintain healthy eating habits. According to a study published in the Oct. 24, 2006, issue of Neurology, eating vegetables may help slow down the rate of cognitive change in adults. Researchers studied 3,718 residents in Chicago who were older than age 65. Of the types of vegetables, green leafy vegetables had the strongest association with slowing the rate of cognitive decline. Also reducing foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol and eating fish with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, may benefit brain health.
• Maintain social interactions. Social interaction can help reduce stress levels and has been associated with a lower risk of dementia. In the February 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers found that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of late-life dementia.
• Keep your brain active. Some experts suggest that challenging the brain with such activities as reading, writing, learning a new skill, playing games, and gardening stimulates brain cells and the connections between the cells, and may be associated with a lower risk of dementia.
• Reduce stress. Learn and practice regular relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.