What Are the Causes of Confusion & Memory Loss?
Memory loss and confusion occur naturally as we age. Some people experience more memory loss depending on several factors such as lifestyle, diet and genetics. Seeing a loved one suffer with confusion and memory loss can be very troubling. The person suffering may become lost more easily or even become so forgetful that they lack the ability to properly take care of themselves. There are many things that can cause a person to lose their memory, but age seems to be the primary cause.
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General Aging
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General aging causes memory loss and confusion. Everyone ages at a different pace depending on lifestyle and genetics, but it does affect every single person at one time or another. As we age the cells within and around the neurons and synapse die. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids help to protect brain cells.There are many studies to support this. According to Dr. Fernando Gómez-Pinilla in an article from "Science Daily", "omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies have been linked to mental disorders and learning and memory problems."
Stress
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Stress can gradually take a toll on the body especially. It is essential to do everything possible to manage and relieve stress. Too much stress can actually cause memory loss and confusion because the mind is overworked. Brain cells actually die when stress levels are too high. Mediate, relax and take extra B-vitamins to combat the effects of stress. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Stress can also cause confusion because you are going at such a fast pace that you might lose your keys more often or even forget things that you would normally remember such as names and places.
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Head Trauma
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A head injury can damage the part of the brain responsible for memory. Severe head trauma can cause permanent memory loss and confusion. A person may even need to learn basic math and writing skills again depending on the extent of the damage. All head injuries should be taken seriously.
Brain Tumor
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Memory loss and confusion are symptoms associated with brain tumors. The tumor pushes on nerves and damages cells within the brain, causing impairments. Without treatment, a brain tumor can cause a person to lose all basic functions such as walking and talking.
Drug Abuse
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Taking drugs, especially long-term use, disrupt brain function. Drugs have a very toxic effect on the brain, causing thousands of brain cells to die. Drug abuse causes memory loss and confusion and a person using drugs may eventually develop nervous or panic disorders. Drugs interfere with the nerve cells that send and receive messages back and forth. Drugs like methamphetamine overstimulate the brain and imitate the brain's chemical neurotransmitters, causing the brain to become overly active and resulting in permanent brain damage.
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Resources
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