Memory loss

Medication:

• A lot of prescription and over the counter medications, may interfere or be the cause of memory loss.
• Examples are: Antidepressants, Antihistamines, Anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and some pain medication, that is administered post-surgery.

Alcohol, Tobacco and drug use:

• Excessive alcohol intake may cause memory loss.
• Tobacco, reduces the oxygen intake to the brain that can cause people that smoke to struggle remembering faces and names, more than non-smokers.
• Drug use can change the chemicals in the brain that make it difficult to remember things.

Sleep Deprivation:

• It is important to get enough sleep, as well as quality sleep, as it is important for a good memory.
• When you have too little sleep or wake up frequently during the night, it can lead to fatigue, and make it difficult to collect and retrieve information. Read more about Sleep Studies on Sleep Renewal 

Depression and stress:

• Depression, makes it very difficult to pay attention and focus, which can lead to memory loss.
• Stress and anxiety also affects concentration, when a person is tense, distracted or overstimulated your ability to remember can decrease.
• Stress that is caused by emotional trauma can lead to memory loss as well.

Nutritional deficiency:

• Good nutrition with a good protein and fat intake, increases proper functioning of the brain.
• Vitamin B1 and B12 deficiencies, can lead to memory loss.

Head Injury:

• When a head injury caused by a car accident or fall for example, it may cause injury to the brain, and cause short, and long term memory loss.
• The good thing though is that it can gradually improve over time.

Stroke:

• This is caused by a blockage of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain.
• Strokes can cause short term memory loss. Other stroke sufferers may recall child hood memories, but not remember what they had for breakfast.