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Aging
Aging is considered as one of the most common causes of memory loss. A person starts to lose brain cells at 20 but only a few at a time. The body also lessens the production of chemicals which are needed by the brain cells in order for them to work. Age-related memory loss equates to a deficiency of neurotransmitters that are the brain's chemical messengers. The older one gets, the greater the acceleration of this process. In fact, around 10% of all people above 70 years have severe memory problems.
Alzheimer's Disease
There are many causes other than aging which can cause memory problems. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most feared memory dysfunctions known to man since its cause is still unknown. It is a form of progressive dementia which impairs the intellectual functions of the brain including memory retention. In America alone, around 4 million have fallen victims to the dreaded disease. Half of all the people who have memory problems suffer from Alzheimer's disease. More information is covered on this dreaded disease in an upcoming chapter.
Head Injury
A head injury is defined as any trauma which leads to the injury of the skull, brain or scalp. This includes minor injuries such as a head bump and major brain injuries.
Severe head injuries can lead to problems of memory loss. Approximately 2 million people suffer from head injuries each year. Fast first aid treatment can improve the chances of saving life of someone together with keeping his memory intact.
Seizures
A seizure is defined as a violent and uncontrollable muscle contraction. Sometimes, seizures can just be a blanking out suddenly.
Medical Conditions
There are other medical conditions that can lead to memory loss. Cardiac problems such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and heart failure are some of the culprits. The reduced blood circulation can have a detrimental effect to the brain.
Kidney and liver failures are also associated with memory loss. These are conditions which increase the concentration of toxins in the blood.
Malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamins can also cause memory loss. Sometimes, these conditions are brought about by other problems such as alcoholism. This is also referred to as the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
Taking too much medication is a common cause of memory loss. Overdosing usually leads to an altered state of mind and confusion.
Maintaining Memory
There are many ways in which we can maintain our memory functions. Living a healthy life and keeping a fit body can greatly improve our chances against memory loss. The brain needs to be constantly challenged by learning new things. That is why engaging in new activities and doing new things will help the brain maintain its vigor and sharpness. Staying away from stress and doing fun activities will also help the brain function at its best.
You can also try taking herbal medicine as a supplement that can help you maintain the wellness of your brain. The Siberian Ginseng is known to help in memory restoration. Gingko is popular in helping people with dementia. The Maca Root is rich in vitamins and minerals which are much needed by the brain, such as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. Another root known as Kava is clinically proven to have comparable effects with those of anxiety drugs.
We can never underestimate the problem of memory loss. We may have a sharp mind today but we may never know what we will face as we grow older. We seldom think about the organ which allows us to enjoy life as we know it. Memories are prints of our lives which are too precious to be lost, let us take care of them.
How to remember names and faces
Best Techniques to Remember Names and Faces
Lost for words when faced with a familiar face not seen for ages? Changing your path to the checkout line to avoid the cheerleader from high school, whose name is not quite coming up? Avoid situations like these from now on. Be sure to try and follow the techniques below to help you remember names and faces.
- Listen carefully to the name of the person and politely ask to repeat if the name is not clear to you. Repeat the name to yourself several times.
- If handed a name card, read the name to yourself aloud, one or two times. The mind remembers better when the sound heard is familiar, such as one’s voice.
- While you are conversing with the person, keep the name card in front of you during the entire conversation, so that you can refer to it from time to time until you can easily recall the name of the person.
- Recall a friend or relative that shares the same name. You can mention how you are familiar with your acquaintance’s name by virtue of a friend or relative that shares the same name.
- As you recall your friend or relative with the same name, try to make a mental association between the two. Now this can be done in the beginning of the conversation, when there is something physical or immediately obvious characteristic that is common. Or it can be towards the middle or end of the conversation, where you find out more about your acquaintance, be it their occupation (John the lawyer, same as your lawyer) or a striking characteristic (Ana is as talkative as your niece, also named Ana).
- If you are familiar with the etymology or origin of the name (for non-English names) mention that as well and spend sometime elaborating on it. You’ll be surprised at how most people are not familiar with such trivia.
- As you get into the thick of things, remember to use the name of your new friend as often as possible, listening to yourself as you repeat it.
- From their physical appearance, create a mental picture of the one thing that stands out about the person. For example, Sarah has short hair, and then you can mentally remember, bob-cut Sarah. Or if Bill has a prominent nose, then imagine a big nose and remember Bill. If Fred was wearing red, then remember Red Fred.
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