Most of us realize how important our memory is. We also likely become more cognizant of this attribute when struggling to remember certain important times, dates, and other pertinent information.
Memory challenges are not uncommon, often occur as part of the normal aging process, and do not always indicate the presence of a serious health malady. However, in certain instances, such occurrences could be the harbinger of significant, potentially life-threatening concerns.
How Does Our Memory Work?
In actuality, our memory is an intricate process. Researchers and medical professionals define memory as the continuing capacity of our brain’s to gather and store information.
Basically, we learn new facts or are given instruction regarding how to perform a specific action. After first receiving this knowledge, remembering specific data or executing the effort in question may require checking said facts or carefully following every intimate detail of instruction to the letter.
However, over time, learned information can be retrieved simply and even complex endeavors become second nature. Many of us often wonder how this amazing undertaking plays out.
Scientists maintain that there are three primary processes explaining how our brains establish, keep, and present memories: encoding, storage, and recall.
Encoding
The memory process’s initial stage is encoding. During this phase, our brains absorb the knowledge we gain, process said data, and alter the facts to enable better storage and recall.
Encoding occurs through one of four specific methods: visual, referencing how something or someone appears, acoustic, referring to the way a voice, instrument, or sound-producing item reverberates, semantic, discussing the meaning of specific topics, and tactile, which references the way certain objects feel.
Storage
Storage not only refers to how the preceding information is maintained, but additionally the quantity of data to be stored, the length of time said material is to linger in the brain, and where inside the vital organ said facts will be kept.
Memory maintenance is differentiated into two categories: short and long-term. Short-term memories typically only lasts in quick bursts. However, long-term memories can remain stored for significantly extended periods.
Recall
Also scientifically classified as retrieval, recall is our brain’s ability to conjure the information it has previously stored.
Why Do We Forget Things?
Those devoted to studying the brain opine that its capacity to execute vital tasks like processing memories possesses certain limitations regardless of how expansive it might seem on the surface.
Cognitive function specialists maintain that a certain degree of forgetfulness is normal, particularly as we grow older. Moreover, said events can often be traced back to several causes including:
Interference
This occurs when one memory inhibits the brain’s ability to hold or recall another.
Decay
Decay is attributed to the weakening or eventual loss of memory traces. These creations develop each time we learn something new. However, over long stretches, traces fade or even disappear altogether if said memories are not reviewed.
Storage Failures
Occasionally, thoughts never make it into our long-term memory banks. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to disruptions occurring during the encoding process.
Motivated Forgetfulness
Sometimes, we yearn to deliberately discard painful memories. Mental health professionals title such events motivated forgetfulness. Common examples include memories created through various forms of abuse or participation in trying or tragic events.
Lifestyle And Environment
We may reside in environments or engage in potentially detrimental actions capable of contributing to memory struggles like:
*Excessive alcohol ingestion
*Drug use
*Being exposed to high stress levels
*Failing to obtain adequate sleep
*Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
Additionally, the side effects of certain medications might adversely impact our memories.
Improving Age-Related Memory Loss
Researchers opine that we might improve or possibly even prevent age-related memory loss through endeavors including:
*Exercising
*Consuming natural, nutritious edibles
*Keeping our brains stimulated
*Being socially active
*Finding productive stress outlets
*Obtaining adequate rest
*Carefully monitoring medications taken
*Receiving thorough medical checkups
Above all, we should strive to maintain hormonal balances. Occasionally HGH deficiency could precipitate memory problems. So, if you have a desire to buy HGH injections, make sure to choose carefully administered and monitored Growth hormone medications from reputable clinics. Remember that they go only with legal prescriptions and have some negative effects in certain cases.
Forgetfulness Alarm Bells
Though many instances of memory loss result from minor and correctable issues, said events may be precipitated by dangerous, possibly life-limiting illnesses including:
Alzheimer’s Disease
This is a serious brain disease occurring when brain cells gradually deteriorate and ultimately die. As the condition progresses, stricken subjects experience growing memory loss, a decline in cognitive capabilities, and an eventual inability to execute simple tasks. The disease is invariably fatal.
Currently, no cure exists. However, medications may may slow the progression of brain cell destruction and provide temporary relief of associated symptoms.
Strokes
These medical emergencies take place when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted for any length of time. Prolonged obstruction of blood-transporting vessels could result in brain damage and death. Physical manifestations may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, headaches, vertigo, immediate cognitive decline, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
If promptly addressed, medications may be administered, which can resolve the clot and limit brain cell damage. Fortunately, however, we may reduce our risk by engaging in activities like consuming a healthy diet, limiting stress, exercising, avoiding detrimental vices like drinking and smoking, sleeping well, and controlling contributing factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol concentrations.
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are abnormal growths occurring in some brain region. These anomalies can be cancerous or non-cancerous and could result in major disability or death. These growths might be eradicated through surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Other Conditions Related To Memory Loss
Depression
Depression results from a chemical imbalance inside the brain causing sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and potentially suicidal thoughts over prolonged swaths of time. Several methods of treatment exist depending on the condition’s severity and how long the afflicted individual has had the illness.
Head Injuries
Traumatic events like falls and car accidents could result in memory-impacting head injuries. Resulting damage may be countered through surgical intervention, in addition to physical and cognitive therapy. Being vigilant and displaying extra caution in following safety protocols might prevent or diminish one’s risk of being involved in said events.
Kidney Or Liver Problems
Damage to these systemic cleansing organs could lead to memory loss. Said conditions could result from unpreventable illnesses or questionable lifestyle choices. Such issues may be relieved through medications or the elimination of bad vices, such as smoking, drinking, and poor dietary consumption.
Medication Side Effects
Certain drugs, such as anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and high blood pressure-fighting substances could elicit memory loss. Said occurrences might be countered by changing medications or altering dosages.
Hormonal Issues
Systemic imbalances of messenger chemicals called hormones may result in memory disturbances. These problems may be overcome by achieving chemical harmony through any number of medical or natural methods.
