Memory Loss: Resources on Causes and Prevention

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While much progress has been made toward understanding how humans store and recall information in the brain, there are scientific mysteries about the process that remain. Most scientists believe that the memory is broken into three parts: working memory, mid-range memory, and long-term memory.

Working memory is the kind of memory that is used to recall information that might be needed for a short period of time, such as a phone number or address. Mid-range memory, sometimes called intermediate memory stores the information that is consciously or subconsciously absorbed within the past few hours or over a period of days. Mid-range memory is either forgotten, or transferred to the long-term memory. Long-term memory is used for all of the information that is deemed important, whether consciously or otherwise, and is usually related to significant events throughout one’s life.

Why do People Forget Things?

There are many reasons that people can forget things. Often, the culprit for being forgetful is stress. It affects the ability to concentrate, the ability to make decisions, focus on the immediate task at hand, and can make it difficult to recall information from the short-term, working memory.

Sensory overload is also one reason that people are forgetful. When there is too much information, or too many things being processed at once, it is more difficult to concentrate on details, making it more likely that things will be forgotten.

For most people, memory loss will never become a serious, life-altering problem. There are some diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, that are directly connected to problems with the memory. Other problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse can also alter the ability to remember.

Using Ginkgo Biloba to Help with Memory Loss

Out of all the natural supplements that support brain function, ginkgo biloba is one of the most well known. Ginkgo biloba supplements can be taken by people of all ages. It works by stimulating the veinous system in the body, aiding in removing the toxins that accumulate when their is insufficient oxygen supply. According to Looking Good and Feeling Younger by Susan Curtis, Alex Kirchin, and Karen Sullivan, the effects of gingko biloba were noticeable in a double-blind study. Healthy women who took 60 to 80 mg og ginkgo biloba three times a day had a significantly enhanced ability to perform memory tests.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Brain Function

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to be a powerful member of the antioxidant family. It also helps prevent oxidative stress in nerve tissue. Alpha lipoic acid is most commonly found naturally, in meats and vegetable. 200 mg to 400 mg per day should be consumed to help protect the brain, nerves, and liver. Lipoic acid helps to maintain healthy glutathione levels, which have been found to be depleted in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Memory Boosting with DMAE

Dmiethylaminoethanol, better known as DMAE, is a memory-boosting substance that is commonly found in many drugs that stabilize cell membranes. Normally found in small amounts in the brain, DMAE is known for having remarkable brain-enhancing effects.

DMAE works by increasing the synthesis of acetylchloine in the brain. This, in turn, plays a key role in maximizing mental ability, as well as slowing memory loss as adults age. DMAE has also been shown to decrease the accumulation of age spots within the brain, as well as treating attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, increasing IQ, and improving red cell function.

DMAE is naturally found in most type of fish consumed by humans, and can also be purchased as a supplement from most pharmacies.

Foods That Boost Brain Function and Prevent Memory Loss

Many of the components that fight memory loss and increase the overall health of the brain can be found in food. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are a crucial part of brain health. They aid in the conditioning of the brain and assist in stabilizing mood. Shortages of the presence of these oils have been linked to learning disabilities or depression.

Foods that are natural providers of essential fatty acids, such as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are avocados, olive oil, walnuts, flax seeds, flax seed oil, salmon, herring, and fresh tuna. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy green vegetables, and trout also contain high levels of essential fatty acids, in addition to supplying protein. Including some of these items in the diet will help increase overall brain health and function.

Resources for Brain Health and Preventing Memory Loss

University of Maryland Information on Causes of Memory Loss

Drexel University Information on Memory Loss

Omega-3 Acids, Foods, and Memory Loss at the University of Hawaii – Honolulu

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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