Causes of memory loss in young adults could be of several types. These may range from factors causing stress, to some underlying medical conditions. Know more on this from the following article.
The study of the process of human memory has been one of the most extensively studied subjects by experts not only the field of science, but in philosophy as well. The power to form memories, collect and store them, and later using them when required, is one subject that is still hot on the platter. In a layman’s language, memory is nothing but the ability to collect, store, retain and recall information, which could be anything that is perceived by the eyes, heard by the ears, felt by a touch, etc. Basically, encoding, storage, and retrieval are the three basic processes that memory is made of.
So, as the name suggests, the brain encodes information into a usable form, and stores it. And, at a later stage, as the need arises, this stored information is recalled and put to use. Basically, a person has a short term memory and long term memory. In the former type, as the name suggests, the person can recall a small information of a past incidence. While the other type, can last for a good time period, even for decades. But there are certain factors which may hamper this vital process of the brain, and cause memory loss, clinically known as amnesia.
Factors That May Lead to Memory Loss
- One of the most common and possible reasons for memory loss in young adults or the elderly is associated with stress. It is nothing but a situation wherein, the brain is loaded with more work that it can do. When a person is stressed, this may signify that his brain is overworked. And this slows down the process of encoding, storing, and recalling of information in the brain. A similar but more severe effect on the brain can be caused by factors such as depression and anxiety.
- Another common cause is any kind of injury caused to the head, from a car accident or the like. The trauma can affect the cerebrum, which is the center of memory, intelligence, emotion, etc. The severity of the condition, depends upon the extent of the damage caused by the accident. In some cases, people may even suffer permanent amnesia.
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are also known for their contribution in the onset of amnesia. Such conditions not only rob the affected person of his memory, but his cognitive abilities, as well. Initially, these conditions may cause only short term memory loss, but with time, even the long term memory starts getting affected.
- Other causes include:
- Impaired supply of oxygen to the brain.
- Alcohol abuse (long-term involvement)
- Brain tumors that might have developed or developing in the areas that control memory
- Inflammation of the brain
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Meningitis
Symptoms which may indicate amnesia include inability to recall past incidences, and learning new information. These two problems start affecting the quality of life, as the condition keeps getting worse.
To conclude, there is no specific treatment method that may help to revive temporary or permanent loss of memory in a person. However, experts have developed techniques and strategies with the aid of which, memory can be enhanced, and complications can be reduced. But more important is seeking support from family and friends. It takes a great deal of patience and understanding for someone to live with a person suffering from such a condition, and even for the patient himself. So getting help and support, as much as possible, from near and dear ones, can make things easier.
