Memory Impairment and Possible Treatment

A certain degree of memory impairment is a normal consequence of ageing. The decline may begin as early as mid-30s and be noticeable by the mid-40s. It usually has a gradual onset and mainly affects short term memory. Lack of regular mental stimulation, which can occur when a person retires, may contribute to the condition. Treatment for poor memory may involve drugs if there is an underlying cause, dietary changes, vitamin supplements, homeopathy, exercise and psychological techniques to improve memory recall.

Possible causes of memory impairment

Normal Aging

Some degree of memory impairment is expected as the brain ages. As a person, grows older, the ability to learn gradually declines, although life experiences becomes greater and the intellectual faculties continue to develop. By 50 to 70 years of age, short-term memory and the ability to concentrate tend to become reduced. By the age of 90, the brain has lost up to 10 percent of its tissue.

Brain Disorders

Memory impairment can occur as a result of various brain disorders. It may be caused by dementia, or it may follow a head injury. An underlying physical illness, such as hypothyroidism, or psychological condition, such as depression or anxiety may also be contributory factors to poor memory. Some drugs, including antiepileptic drugs and most stabilizers, can affect memory.

Other factors

Low levels of essential fatty acids and vitamin E in the diet have been linked with poor memory, as have raised levels of amino acid homocysteine in the body. A condition known as respiratory alkalosis, in which the blood becomes too alkaline as a result of habitual shallow breathing, may also contribute to poor short-term memory by creating an oxygen deficit in the brain. Lack of mental stimulation can be a factor.

Possible treatment for memory impairment

Conventional Medicine

The doctor will assess memory and brain functions. If memory impairment is considered to be worse than expected for a person’s age, tests (such as thyroid function tests and CT or MRI scanning of the brain) may be arranged to rule out any underlying conditions.

A doctor will aim to treat the underlying cause where possible. For example, hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid homone supplements and depression may be relieved with antidepressant drugs. 

Nutritional Therapy

Brain tissue is rich in healthy essential fats known as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In recent years, a lot of scientific attention has been focused on the role in the brain function of the omega-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Some people have a tendency to low blood sugar. Their concentration and memory may deteriorate whenever blood sugar level dip too low.

Oily Fish

EPA and DHA are found in abundance in oily fish (such as salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines), and studies suggest that high fish consumption helps to reduce the risk of brain decline. In one study, men who ate a lot of fish were found to have half the rate of mental decline compared to men who ate fish occasionally. Aiming to eat at least two portions of oily fish per week might help to maintain memory. Taking daily supplements of concentrated fish oils at a dose of 2g may also help preserve memory in the long term.

Antioxidants

The mental decline that occurs with ageing may be related to damaging molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are quenched in the body by antioxidant substances, such as beta carotene and vitamin C and E. There is some evidence that increasing intakes of antioxidant nutrients might help to maintain mental sharpness. One study found that people who consumed 2.1 mg (3,500IU) of beta carotene per day were half as likely to experience cognitive impairment, disorientation or have difficulty solving problems compared to those taking 0.9mg (1500IU) or less per day. Another study found that higher levels of vitamin C and beta carotene in the body were associated with better memory. Citrus and kiwi fruits, strawberries, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are especially rich in vitamin C, while deep green and yellow orange vegetables (e.g. carrots, spinach and sweet potato) are all good sources of beta carotene. It would be reasonable to supplement the diet with 5000-10,000U of beta carotene and 1g vitamin C daily to see if it helps memory.

The antioxidants vitamin E has also been related to memory. In one study, people with the lowest vitamin E levels were almost three times worse at remembering than those with highest levels. Other studies also show that high vitamin E levels are associated with

good brain function. Good sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds. In addition, supplementing with vitamin E at a dose of 400-8000IU per day may be helpful.

Folic Acid and other B vitamins

Another link between nutrition and brain function concerns the amino acid homocysteine. Raised level of homocysteine has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease osteoporosis. Research also shows a relationship between raised homocysteine levels and reduced mental performance. Folic acid (which isa B vitamin), vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 have all been found to help reduce homocysteine levels in the body.

Interestingly, studies have found people with low folic acid levels impaired memory function compared with people with normal folic acid levels. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, while liver, avocado, bananas and fish are rich in vitamin B6. Foods that contain vitamin B12 include eggs meat and fish.

You may also want to take supplements. A study in to effects of supplements on women found that taking 750mcg of folic acid, 15mcg of vitamin B12 and 75mg of vitamin B6 each day for 35 days had a significant positive effect on some measures of memory performance in comparison to a placebo, which had no effect. Taking a vitamin B complex supplement each day may help to improve memory.

Caution: Consult your doctor taking fish oils or omega 3 supplements, which can enhance the action of warfarin; vitamin B6, which can cause neuropathy.

Herbal Medicine

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbs for dementia especially ginkgo biloba may also be useful in treating memory impairment. Recent research has shown that the herb rosemary can improve memory, and sage and lemon balm are both thought to help in improving memory as well.

Caution: Taking herbal remedy and, if you are already taking prescribed medication, consult a medical herbalist first.

Homeopathy

A number of homeopathic molecules may help with memory.

Baryta Carbonica and Lycopodium

These molecules are most important for age-related memory problems. Baryta carbonica is effective where there are arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries), memory problems or mental slowness. The person affected may become timid and childish and have offensive  foot seat. Symptoms may be worse in cold, damp weather and affected people may get recurrent colds, with neck glands that become very hard and swollen. Baryta carbonica may also be helpful for younger people who experience memory problems after illness especially glandular fever.

People who respond to Lycopodium are often serious intelligent people, who may have held responsible position or jobs. They tend to become depressed and reclusive because they lose self-confidence over their memory problems. These people often may have stomach trouble, with wind and bloating, and a sweet mouth.

Phosphoric acid

This another medicine that may be helpful for younger people, especially when they experience the effects of intellectual and emotional stress combined, for instance the stress of exams combined with relationships difficulties.

Anacardium orientale

This is sometimes helpful if there is sudden loss of memory, as happens when a name or idea suddenly goes out of somebody’s head. Affected people may have sudden, violent tempers.

Acupuncture

If memory impairment is diagnosed by  traditional Chinese diagnosis acupuncture may help to restore memory if regular treatment is provided. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that acupuncture helps to restore memory. Anecdotal evidence suggests repeated treatments are essential to successfully restore memory.

In addition, the medical research suggests that regualr breathing exercises and memory tasks can help to reduce memory imparment when a patent is suffereing from dementia and nomal memry loss due to ageing and suffering memory loss due to depression and other emotional stress.