Memory impairment disease. Memory problems in young people: causes and treatment

Unlike films where the hero is hit on the head and he instantly loses his memory completely, in real life, memory loss most often occurs gradually. Therefore, it is very important to notice it in time and take the necessary measures. We will talk about the causes and symptoms of memory impairment in this article.

Causes of memory impairment

Memory impairment can manifest itself as both intermittent forgetfulness and loss of short-term memory, which significantly worsens everyday life. In any case, there can be many reasons for this.

Taking medications. Some medications can cause memory impairment. Possible "culprits" can be: antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and painkillers.

Alcohol, smoking and drug use. It has long been proven that excessive alcohol consumption leads to deterioration and loss of memory. Smoking affects memory by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. Studies have shown that smokers have a harder time remembering the names of strangers than non-smokers. And illicit drugs can affect the chemical processes of the brain, which leads to memory impairment.

Lack of sleep. The quality and quantity of a night's sleep are essential for memory. Frequent wakefulness at night or a constant lack of sleep leads to fatigue, which interferes with the ability to process information normally. About how much and how to sleep, the article "" will tell.

depression and stress. A depressed state reduces attention, which can also affect memory. Stress and anxiety can also reduce concentration. When you are stressed and your mind is distracted or overstimulated by unnecessary experiences, your ability to remember information can suffer. Stress caused by emotional trauma can also lead to memory impairment at any age. In the next article, we will cover .

Poor nutrition. Good, nutritious nutrition, including high-quality proteins and fats, is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain. In particular, the lack of vitamins B1 and B12 in the body negatively affects memory. More about proper nutrition we will talk .

Head injuries. A severe blow to the head from a fall or car accident can damage the brain and cause short-term and long-term memory loss. Sometimes memory can gradually improve over time.

Stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off due to a blockage in the blood vessels in the brain. This often causes short-term memory loss. A person who has had a stroke may have vivid childhood memories but is unable to remember what they ate for lunch today. By the way, everyone should know.

Other reasons. The causes of memory impairment can be an overactive thyroid gland, as well as infections that affect the brain - tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV.

Note! For many, memory impairment is associated with old age, senile dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. But memory problems can also occur in young people.

For what reasons this can happen and what to look for, read below.

Memory impairment at a young age

Research scientists have shown that young people aged 18 to 35 are more prone to everyday episodes of forgetfulness than the elderly. Young people often forget what day it is or where they put their keys. Almost always, these memory problems are due to an unhealthy lifestyle.

The most serious causes of memory disorders at a young age are already mentioned above drunkenness and drug use. Often young boys and girls drink alcoholic drinks until they have memory lapses. And on the morning after the “stormy” party, they cannot remember what happened to them last night.

Also elevated level stress, poor nutrition and insufficient sleep all contribute to memory problems. But the greatest danger is represented by all kinds of gadgets to which we are attached. First, the brain needs multitasking, which many now rely on their electronic devices. Without switching attention between different activities, short-term memory impairment occurs.

Secondly, most young people are accustomed to sleeping with their cell phones under their pillows, exposing their brains to damaging electromagnetic fields. Radiation from smartphones can cause significant impairment not only in memory, but also lead to learning difficulties, disrupt emotional and stress resistance.

Temporary memory lapses at a young age can occur with dehydration, prolonged stress, and low blood sugar. As a rule, when these causes are eliminated, then the memory can be restored over time.

Important! If you are concerned about minor memory problems, easy forgetfulness, then it's time to pay attention to your lifestyle and identify which factor affects memory. Lack of physical activity, insufficient brain stimulation, poor sleep and poor nutrition can all lead to poor brain function.

According to scientists, there are more than 350 diseases that can lead to memory impairment. Among them are serious mental illness- schizophrenia, bipolar disorder personality, depression and anxiety. Also, such diseases include cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, tuberculosis and Lyme disease, as well as various brain infections.

To exclude these diseases, you should consult a doctor at the first anxiety symptoms especially if memory impairment progress and do not disappear for a long time.

Elderly people often complain about excessive forgetfulness. Someone can't remember the name of the movie they watched yesterday. Someone forgets the way home or does not remember why he went to another room. And these problems are usually associated with the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, this is not always the case, and age-related memory changes are not always a symptom of serious diseases.

Happens with age physiological changes, which can cause disruptions in brain function. It takes more time than before to remember or recall any information. It's not actually memory loss, which is often considered an inevitable part of the aging process. The brain is able to produce new cells at any age, but if they are not used, they can atrophy, like muscles, for example.

Three physiological causes of age-related memory impairment:

with age, the condition of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memories, often worsens;
the level of proteins and hormones in the body, which protect, restore brain cells and stimulate the formation of neural connections, also decreases;
blood flow to the brain is reduced, which negatively affects memory and other cognitive skills.

It is very important to timely distinguish normal age-related forgetfulness from serious diseases that occur in old age. It is normal to forget from time to time where you left things you use frequently, such as glasses or keys. Also, do not worry if you forget the names of your acquaintances or call them by other names. As we age, we tend to be more easily distracted and have trouble remembering information.

What should be alerted in old age with memory impairment

The most important difference between normal age-related memory changes and the onset of dementia or other serious illnesses is that temporary memory lapses have little effect on daily activities. The main feature is persistent and progressive deterioration at the same time minimum two intellectual abilities- memory, speech, abstract thinking and the ability to think logically.

Important! If the memory loss becomes so severe that it interferes with work, hobbies, family relationships or social activities, then this is an occasion to pay closer attention to this problem and consult a doctor.

With normal age-related changes, older people are able to habitual activity despite memory impairment. With the onset of dementia, difficulties appear in performing simple tasks that have been repeated many times before (paying bills, washing dishes, etc.).

A serious signal can also be a complete loss of orientation even in familiar places, constant distortion of words or phrases, socially inappropriate behavior. A visit to the doctor is mandatory if the memory impairment becomes noticeable enough to seriously affect your life or family members. Even if the symptoms do not match those of dementia, it is best to undergo a thorough medical examination and prevent possible problems in future.

A neurologist will be able to assess your personal risk factors, address reversible causes of memory problems, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis can completely eliminate reversible memory and attention disorders, improve the quality of life in the onset of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.

During the examination, the doctor will ask the following questions:

how long you or your loved ones have been experiencing memory problems;
what exactly is difficult to remember;
memory impairment was gradual or sudden;
whether there are problems in the usual affairs.

The doctor will also want to know what medications you are taking, how you eat and sleep, and if you have had any recent stress or depression. Most likely, he will ask you or your loved ones to observe the symptoms for several months. After that, depending on all these factors, the necessary medication and physiotherapy will be prescribed.

What can be done independently with memory impairment

Reduce stress and anxiety in daily life. If a disturbing thought comes to mind during the day, do not distract from your studies, but briefly write down this thought. Remind yourself that you will definitely think about it when you have free time, and right now there is no need to worry about it.

Lead an active social life. People who rarely interact with family members and friends have a higher risk of memory impairment. Quality time spent with other people is a powerful memory drug, so make sure to schedule a meeting with friends from time to time. At the meeting itself, do not forget to put your phone away to maximize the quality of communication.

Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of vascular disease, which can cause a stroke or narrow the arteries that carry oxygen to the brain. Read more about the dangers of smoking -.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is necessary to restore the processes of formation and storage of memories. Lack of sleep reduces the growth of new neural connections in the hippocampus and causes problems with memory, concentration and decision-making processes.

Follow nutrition. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, drink green tea - these foods are rich in antioxidants that protect brain cells from premature aging. Also good for memory are foods rich in omega-3 fats (tuna, salmon, trout, walnuts and flaxseed).

Exercise your brain and memory. Just as exercise is indispensable for the health of the body, mental activity makes the brain work better and reduces the risk of various impairments. thought processes. Choose memory exercises that you enjoy. If you practice through force, then this will not bring the desired effect. Here are some ideas for memory and brain training:

Logic games and puzzles - chess, crosswords, sudoku, various word games.
Reading books, magazines and newspapers that make you think about something.
Learning new things - playing musical instrument, foreign language, cooking according to new recipes, driving along previously unknown routes.
The easiest way to combat memory impairment is walking. This option is suitable even for the elderly or debilitated people. According to the American Academy of Neurology, older people who walked 10-15 km a week, 9 years after the start of the study, had better memory and healthier brains than the rest.

Why memory deteriorates and how to train it (video)

The causes of memory deterioration, as well as tips for training it, will be told in this video by physician Alexei Bezymyanny.

By following these simple rules, you can improve brain function and prevent memory problems caused by poor lifestyle habits. We remind you that for any alarming symptoms, it is best to consult a therapist or neurologist.

Next article.

Nowadays, more and more often among young people you can hear the following phrase: “I forgot”, “I don’t remember where I put it”. They become like older people in this. What causes memory loss? What to do if memory has deteriorated, what steps should be taken to prevent memory impairment?

Causes of memory impairment.

There are many reasons for memory impairment and we will list only a few of them.

Alcohol consumption is often the cause of memory loss. Drinking alcohol leads to liver disease, and causes a number of side effects that lead to changes in brain function and memory loss. This is especially true for people suffering from chronic alcoholism.
Excessive smoking. Smoking is dangerous not only because it can lead to diseases such as lung cancer. Studies have shown that smoking causes blood vessels to constrict. This prevents the entry required amount oxygen to the brain, leads to memory impairment and can lead to vascular stenosis.
Bad dream. While a person is sleeping, his brain is resting. If a person suffers from insomnia and sleeps little, then his brain does not have time to have a good rest. This entails a decrease in memory, concentration, and leads to forgetfulness. That is why people suffering from insomnia often suffer from diseases such as neurasthenia.
A person spends too much time at the computer. Of course, a computer greatly facilitates the work of a person. However, by allowing the computer to perform all the tasks for him, a person stops doing mental work, straining his brain, and this leads to the cause of memory deterioration. Often in young people aged 20-30 years, this trend is noticed.
Complications after illness. Often past diseases such as depression, neurasthenia, chronic sinusitis and other inflammatory diseases, arteriosclerosis, etc. side effect, which produces a negative effect on the human brain and leads to a weakening of memory.

10 ways to improve your memory

Listening to slow music. The Bulgarian doctor and psychologist Ryazanov, after conducting research, discovered that the music of Bach, Handel and other composers helps to eliminate brain tension and helps to relax the muscles of the body. He allowed students to listen to slow music while studying, which contributed to better assimilation of the material. After class, you need to turn on fun music so that the brain “wakes up”.
Reading literature. People often read various literature, for study or for leisure. It requires concentration. In order to improve memory, you need to devote at least 20 minutes a day to reading. It can be literature, poetry, or something else, but reading books is a must, as it helps to increase the ability to memorize.
Retelling what has been read. For the best assimilation of what is read or heard, it must be retelled in your own words. This contributes not only to the development of memory, but also improves speech and develops imagination.
Special memory. When reading books, we learn a lot of new information, and often we need to memorize some numbers or sentences. Deliberate memorization helps to consolidate information much more than a random glance at things. You need to try to remember any little things, and then at the right time the information will pop up in a person’s memory.
Chew food thoroughly. Chewing food thoroughly has been scientifically proven to help prevent memory loss. Older people chew food less and therefore it leads to a deterioration in memorization. Chewing movements cause blood flow to the brain, and this helps improve memory. That is why in the US people chew gum so often.
Talk about what needs to be remembered. Scientists have found that women are more likely to repeat out loud than men. When confronted with something that is hard to remember, you need to talk about it with someone. Thus, it will help improve memory. When it is necessary to remember what was said with a person, then the conversation and the topic under discussion pop up in memory.
Properly balanced diet. Regular food intake olive oil is the prevention of thrombosis and contributes to the normalization of blood circulation. It is also necessary to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. They enhance memory and are necessary for the health of the body.
Develop your memory. A person who leads an active lifestyle is in excellent physical condition. And a person who develops his thinking in various types sports, or with the help of reading, logic games, learning languages, increases the number of neural connections. They are responsible for supplying signals to the brain, which has a beneficial effect on improving human memory.
Sports and fitness. A number of studies have shown that regular exercise is required to keep your brain active. People who love sports and lead a healthy lifestyle have a good memory and ability to memorize. Physical exercise dilate blood vessels, which contributes to increased oxygen supply to the brain, and this helps to remember better.
Happy family life. According to social surveys, it was found that family happiness is an necessary condition for the best memory. When people love each other, the body produces the hormone acetylcholine, which strengthens the immune system, slows down the aging process of the brain and enhances memory.

Thus, it has been established that the main ways in which memory can be improved are: a positive attitude, good, healthy sleep, the ability to relax, reducing the dose of smoking and drinking alcohol, active sports, a properly balanced diet, listening to music. All this helps to resist stress, promotes health, development and improvement of memory.

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The ability to preserve and restore in the mind the previous experience, experiences and impressions is the most important function of the human brain. In fact, memory is the person himself. Memory disorders significantly impair the quality of life, and each of us would like to maintain this higher mental function for decades to come. But not everything depends on the desire of the person. Memory impairment can occur at any age. Disorders are either quantitative or qualitative. In the first case, separate fragments fall out, in the second, a confusion arises from real memories of different times and imaginary ones.

Types of memory problems

Human memory is a complex of complex mechanisms of the psyche, which, despite the impressive amount of research, remains a mystery to scientists. Until now, they have not been able to identify specific areas of the brain responsible for memory. It is traditionally believed that memory is an integral part of a single mental apparatus, and not a separate recording machine.

Memory provides fixation, storage and recreation of various facts, knowledge and skills.

The degree of memorization of a single person is determined by a combination of factors, such as motivation (stimulus), emotional component, concentration of attention, individual properties of the psyche. Even a slight violation of the ability to memorize is associated with tangible discomfort.

In our brain, there is no specialized area responsible solely for the function of memory.

The main types of memory impairment are listed below:

Amnesia. Memory lapses regarding recent important events or fragmented memories. The memory loss in this case is often temporary. Restoration of memories takes place in chronological order. The events preceding amnesia are most often lost in memory forever. Kinds:
- dissociative amnesia - the loss of memories of emotionally traumatic events, refers to the varieties of natural properties of memory that displace painful memories into the unconscious; memories can be restored through work with a psychoanalyst or through hypnosis;
- retrograde amnesia - loss of memory fragments for events that occurred immediately before the skull injury;
- anterograde amnesia - loss of memories following trauma or stress;
- fixation amnesia - the inability to remember and reproduce current events that coincided with the trauma.
Hypomnesia. Congenital or acquired progressive memory impairment. Decreased ability to memorize and reproduce digital, terminological data, names, names. In the elderly, it is characterized by a gradual loss of memories from the present to the past.
Hypermnesia. Pathologically hypertrophied ability to memorize, often related to certain types or forms of memory (remembering unnecessary details, information that does not carry a semantic load, etc.).
Paramnesia. Qualitative distortion of memory, which is characterized by false or confused memories of different times, as well as real and fictional events. Types of paramnesia:
- confabulation - false memories or combinations of real events with fictional ones, when the patient talks about previously supposedly committed actions, achievements, non-existent wealth or criminal acts;
- pseudo-reminiscence - a confusion of memories when the patient replaces a forgotten recent event with facts that took place in the distant past;
- cryptomnesia - substitution of one's own memories with information obtained from books or other information sources, attributing to oneself other people's ideas of creativity (involuntary plagiarism);
- echomnesia - the perception of what is happening as previously experienced in reality or in a dream, as a continuation of these events;
- palimpsest - loss of memory of fragments of what happened during intoxication.

Causes of memory disorders

There are completely different reasons for memory impairment. The most common include: chronic fatigue syndrome, mental exhaustion, head injuries, age-related changes, senile dementia, alcohol addiction, toxic poisoning of the body, deficiency of micro and macro elements. Specific reasons are more typical for certain age categories.

In children

Memory disorders in children can be caused by congenital or acquired conditions. The former include delay or incomplete mental development, to the second - problems with remembering information, amnesia as a result of injury, mental illness, coma.

Fragmentary memory impairment in childhood most often due to a combination of a number of factors, including an unhealthy psychological atmosphere in the family or preschool / school institution, chronic fatigue (sometimes due to frequent respiratory infections), insufficient intake of vitamins and macronutrients.

At a young and middle age

In adulthood, there are also enough reasons for a memory disorder. Starting with chronic stress at work and in the family, ending with serious neurological diseases (idiopathic parkinsonism syndrome) and brain damage (encephalitis). Associated with a partial loss of memory function and mental illness, including neuroses, depressive disorders, schizophrenia.

A significant impact on the function of memory has damage to the vessels of the brain and insufficiency of its blood circulation. These include diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes, thyroid dysfunction), blood vessels, chronically elevated blood pressure.

In the elderly

In old age, the main part of memory disorders is associated with impaired cerebral circulation as a result of age-related wear of the vascular system. The metabolic process in nerve cells also suffers negative changes. One of the most common causes of severe memory problems in older patients is Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects various aspects of memory

The natural aging process is accompanied by a decrease in memory sharpness, but this happens quite smoothly. First of all, it becomes increasingly difficult for an elderly person to remember recent events. At the same time, the memory of the distant past can remain very clear, the old man remembers what happened long ago in detail. Increased forgetfulness often provokes fear and self-doubt in older people, as well as anxiety and even depression.

Be that as it may, at least half of people over 65 complain of a deterioration in memorability. However, older people rarely experience tangible discomfort due to the slow progress of the aging process. With a sharp and rapid deterioration of memory, there is a high chance of developing senile dementia if saving measures are not taken in time.

Symptoms of memory loss

Symptoms that raise the suspicion of memory problems and may be regarded as manifestations of deterioration in cognitive (cognitive) function include:

decreased concentration of attention (inability to focus and fix attention on a topic or object for a more or less long time);
decreased ability to switch attention (excessive fixation on one topic and repeated return to it after a short distraction);
state of inhibition;
systematic violations of the daily routine;
signs of apathy or depression (loss of appetite, suicidal ideation).

Diagnosis for memory problems

Diagnosis of memory disorders is carried out by a neuropathologist. There are various diagnostic techniques for detecting memory disorders. It is important to understand that they are all standardized, and the memory properties of each individual have their own characteristics. The concept of a norm is rather conditional. But it is more than realistic to identify obvious violations using the methods below.

First, the doctor invites the patient to view a set of several dozen cards with images of various objects. The cards are reviewed rather fluently, after which the subject must name the maximum number of items that he was able to remember, in a chaotic manner. After evaluating the percentage of correct answers, the doctor draws a conclusion about the state of the patient's memory. If the patient managed to remember about 2/3 of all images (for example, 20 out of 30), then this result is normal and the person has no problems with memory.

Diagnosis of figurative (visual) memory is carried out using cards with images

Then the patient can be offered a second set of cards, with which you will need to do the same. Sharp differences in the results will reveal a reduced ability to concentrate and remember (mnestic function).

In a similar way, not only visual, but also auditory memory is checked, only the pictures are not shown, but the objects depicted on them are voiced aloud. If the patient was able to reproduce about 60-70% of the information, this indicates an excellent result.

Another memory test method is to list unrelated words in a certain sequence (2–4 repetitions). The patient is asked to voice the remembered words immediately after the test and 30 minutes later. The correct answers are fixed, according to which it is possible to draw conclusions about the degree of attention of the subject. Similarly, artificial words devoid of semantic load can be used. If the patient managed to remember more than half of the 10-20 words, then his memory function is normal.

If serious organic disorders associated with the vessels of the brain are suspected, diagnostic methods of neuroimaging are used: CT or MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging, as the method of choice for suspected Alzheimer's disease, reveals characteristics degenerative process in the brain:

decrease in the amount of gray matter;
an increase in the cavity of the ventricles of the brain;
detection of inclusions (plaques) on the walls of arteries.

Principles of correction and treatment depending on the causes

Methods of treatment and correction of cognitive disorders directly depend on the established diagnosis. Violation of cerebral circulation - acute and chronic - occurs as a result of diseases of the heart and vascular system. Therefore, therapy in this case is aimed at combating such pathologies as heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.

In the conditions of the development of atherosclerosis, which affects the volume of blood flow through the vessels, it is necessary to prescribe drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots (Clopidogrel, Acetylsalicylic acid).

If it is established that a person has significantly exceeded indicators that are not corrected with the help of a diet, then it is necessary to take lipid-lowering drugs or fats (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin).

It is important to eliminate factors that reduce the blood supply to the brain, such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and diabetes.

The state of insufficient blood supply to the brain is dangerous due to cell death as a result of narrowing or blockage of small vessels. In this case, the appointment of neuroprotective therapy is appropriate. Such treatment is provided by a special group of drugs called nootropics. These medicines increase the resistance of the brain to a variety of harmful effects, such as excessive load or oxygen starvation. They are represented by neuroprotectors and direct-acting nootropics. The first include the following groups of drugs:

Direct acting nootropics include:

Gingko biloba extract is considered a natural herbal remedy with a nootropic effect. Preparations based on this plant have a pronounced effect that normalizes the blood circulation of the brain. Tinctures of ginseng and magnolia vine are used for a general increase in vascular tone with a tendency to low blood pressure.

Combinations of nootropics with antidepressants or sedatives are prescribed for concomitant autonomic dysfunction. nervous system. In this case, an examination of the endocrine function is indicated in order to identify possible disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Nootropics are used in the treatment of memory disorders of various origins, but always in combination with the treatment of the underlying disease.

How to train memory

The human brain, like the muscles of our body, needs constant training to maintain cognitive functions at the proper level. It is enough for a healthy person to devote only 5 minutes a day to memory development exercises.

One of the most accessible and effective methods training memory and thinking - solving arithmetic problems. You can start with simple examples:

487–93 =?
235:5 =?
27*6 =?

It is necessary to solve examples and problems in the mind, without using auxiliary electronic devices. Mathematical calculations accelerate the functions of thinking and analysis. Thinking about arithmetic problems, calculating discount percentages during the sales season, knocking out the amount of the check without a calculator, we thereby provide a good workout for our brain.

Special techniques make it easy to memorize words, numbers, pictograms, train the imagination

An excellent memory exercise is memorizing random numbers, phone numbers, a collection of objects, words that are not related in meaning. To facilitate the task, you can build various associative series that help logically group certain words and symbols. For example, the number 0 (zero) visually resembles an egg, the number 1 is a candle, 4 is a sailboat, and 8 is a snowman. IN graphic image such words or numbers can be used in different colors. Remembering not only the symbol, but also its color is a more difficult task, not for beginners.

Lifestyle Correction

The state of memory, especially with age, is largely determined by genetic data, including a tendency to certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's dementia. But no less important role is played by the way of eating and lifestyle. Below are some scientific sound advice that allow you to maintain your cognitive abilities at any age:

Limit your intake of sweets. A large amount of sugar in the diet can cause various health problems, including the deterioration of the cognitive ability of the brain. In people who regularly abuse sugary drinks and confectionery, the volume of the brain decreases, in particular, the area responsible for short-term memory. By reducing the amount of harmful carbohydrates, you can improve not only the state of memory, but also overall health.
Take fish oil supplements. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 and docosahexaenoic acid), which are rich in fish oil, protect the heart from diseases caused by excessive everyday stress and anxiety; reduce the inflammatory response in the body. According to clinical studies, long-term - at least a year - taking concentrated fish oil supplements significantly improves the state of working and episodic memory in people over 65 years of age with mild cognitive impairment.
Fish oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that protect our heart, blood vessels and brain
Get into the practice of meditation. Meditation techniques are great for relieving stress and relaxing. According to some reports, the practice of meditation techniques increases the volume of gray matter containing neurons. Age changes lead to a decrease in gray matter in the brain, which negatively affects the functions of cognition and memory. Mental exercise sharpens short-term memory and improves visuospatial working memory at any age.
Regular practice of meditation increases gray matter volume in the brain at any age
Normalize body weight. As many clinical studies show, obesity significantly increases the risk of cognitive decline. Curiously, obesity can actually cause genetic changes associated with memory function. Being overweight also invariably leads to insulin resistance and an increase in levels, which causes type 2 diabetes. Obesity is one of the significant risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's dementia.
Practice mindfulness and awareness. Self-awareness is mental condition focusing on the current moment, attentive attitude to one's own feelings from the surrounding space. You can practice mindfulness as part of meditation or separately, as a kind of mental habit, skill. Mindfulness effectively reduces stress and improves concentration.
Don't ignore physical activity. For healthy brain function, it is important to engage not only in mental practices, but also regularly dedicate time to sports. So, even simple daily exercises for 15–20 minutes on a stationary exercise bike significantly improve the cognitive capabilities of the brain in people from 18 to 95 years old, according to research. Training increases the production of neuroprotective proteins and improves neuronal growth and development, which reduces the risk of dementia later in life.

Prevention

Following the rules of a healthy lifestyle is the best way to avoid memory deterioration ahead of time. An important role is played by timely therapy of systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension. It is necessary to be attentive to the daily routine, alternating work with rest, ensuring night sleep for at least 8 hours, so that organs and systems have time to recover.

You should not abuse low-calorie diets. The brain for its activity consumes at least 1/5 of the energy intake from meals. Another thing is that it is important to build a balanced diet, where the main products will be vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish. The hydration of the body is of great importance. The daily rate of fluid intake is about 2-2.5 liters for a person of average build. As the main drink, it is better to prefer drinking or mineral water.

In old age, it is important to continue to maintain social activity, be interested in the news, read books and newspapers, communicate with loved ones - this will significantly increase the chances of maintaining normal cognitive function until old age.

Causes of memory impairment: video

There are many simple, fun and effective ways maintain the cognitive functions of the brain in excellent condition. But any technique should be based on a scientific approach. Combining the rules of a healthy lifestyle, physical activity and regular training of mental functions, you can be sure that your memory will not let you down until old age.

sharp deterioration in memory and attention, absent-mindedness, sleep disturbances are signs of asthenic (asthenoneurotic) syndrome. If there are attacks of changes in pulse and pressure, sensations of heat or cold, redness or blanching of the skin, headache, then the syndrome is called asthenic-vegetative.

The deterioration of memory and attention are signs of countless diseases or pre-illness conditions. This is a sign of the body's struggle with something: infection, overwork, with impaired metabolism due to a lack of any substance or impaired function of any organ, with a malignant tumor, may be accompanied by mental disorders (depression, neuroses). Often there is confusion and memory loss in old age.

To diagnose the deterioration of memory and attention, it is important what other symptoms of the disease are present, the background against which asthenic syndrome arose. If you have experienced severe stress or are experiencing increased stress, then you can think about overwork of the nervous system, about the lack of vitamins and minerals, about dysbacteriosis. If your pace of life has not changed, you consume a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements, but the above symptoms suddenly appear, then we can assume the onset of an infection or an exacerbation of a chronic process in the body. If distraction and memory impairment appeared gradually and bother for a long time, the reason often lies in hormonal disorders, especially from the thyroid gland, as well as in malignant tumors and depression.

Diseases that can cause memory impairment:

Memory impairment: treatment

Relax, improve your lifestyle (diet, sleep and rest, give up bad habits), if there are no contraindications, then drink a vitamin-mineral complex for at least 2 months, in areas of iodine deficiency - additionally drink a course of iodine preparation.

Examine the thyroid gland, donate blood for sugar.

If memory decline occurs in old age, and you are worried about constant lethargy and memory impairment, undergo a full examination so as not to miss a malignant neoplasm.

If nothing serious is found, but you still feel bad, you feel lethargic and tired, contact a neurologist or psychiatrist. This is how often masked depression occurs.

At severe memory loss you should immediately consult a doctor who, after analyzing all the symptoms, will accurately determine the cause of this problem.

Age-related memory impairment causes a lot of problems for older people and is difficult to treat. Deterioration of memory and rosiness during pregnancy not in vain causes concern among expectant mothers, because. can be the cause of many of the diseases listed above, such as carotid disease.

Common self-treatment mistakes of memory and attention impairment

Lack of examination and treatment.

Very often, such changes in the state are associated with age, which is fundamentally not true. Look for the cause of lethargy, eliminate it and you can enjoy life at any age.

To study short-term visual memory, a table is needed. You can also make it yourself. A sheet of paper is divided into 12 cells (3 rows, 4 cells each). Write a two-digit number in each compartment.
A person is offered to look at the table for 10 seconds, and then write down the numbers that he remembers. The average result is 6-7 numbers. Insufficient volume - less than 5.

Methodology "Study of involuntary and voluntary memory"

For the study, 2 sets of pictures of 10 pieces each are required.

Study of involuntary memory And. The person is asked to look at the pictures. each is shown for 2 seconds. after viewing, they are asked to recall the pictures that he saw.

Study arbitrary memory . Before the test, the person is asked to memorize the images. The storage method is not specified. They show the second set of pictures for 3 seconds each, then ask them to recall them in any order.

After the study, the effectiveness of the two types of memory is compared.

Memory is a property of the nervous system to remember, store and reproduce information, skills and abilities at the right time. The essence of memory is the ability to receive, store and reproduce life experience. Thus, memory is the basis of learning, therefore it is referred to as cognitive processes.

When they talk about poor memory, they mean that difficulties arise at one or several stages: it is difficult for a person to remember data. Information is not stored in memory for a long time or is replaced by new facts.
Most often, memory impairment is associated with a decrease in attention, overwork and haste. This can easily be fixed with exercise. A more serious problem is the sharp deterioration of memory associated with illness or injury. In this case, the help of a neurologist is required.

Types of memory by sense organs

verbal-logical- remembering the meaning of speech;
emotional- memory for experienced emotions and related events;
motor- memorization and reproduction of complex;
figurative- memory for images that were formed on the basis of data received from various senses;

visual - preservation of visual images, illustrations, table schemes;
auditory - helps to preserve and accurately reproduce sounds, speech;
olfactory - remembering smells;
tactile - memory for information received by touch.

By storage time

instant(iconic) - up to 0.5 seconds. stores in memory what has just been perceived by the senses;
short-term– up to 20 seconds. the volume is very limited (7 items), information is quickly replaced by new data. At this stage, useless information is eliminated, which allows not to overload long-term memory. Short-term memory is considered a filter and staging post for long-term memory, therefore, the larger the amount of short-term memory, the better long-term memory.
operational- storage for a certain period of up to several days (keep in memory until I write it down, until I pass the exam)
long-term- Stores information indefinitely. It is believed that the amount of this memory is unlimited, difficulties arise not with storage, but with recalling the necessary information.
genetic- is preserved at the gene level and is inherited.
on the participation of the will in the process of memorization:
involuntary information is stored automatically, without human effort. often this interesting material, which is of great importance for a person, causing positive emotions or required for work. It often happens that involuntary memory works better than arbitrary memory - memorization is faster and information is stored longer.
arbitrary- memorization necessarily requires strong-willed efforts. In order to learn a poem, new material or foreign words, you need to force yourself, which causes additional difficulties.

What does memory depend on? (anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system)

Different structures of the brain are responsible for memory:

for working and short-term memory- mediobasal system (hippocampus and adjacent cortex of the temporal lobe);
for procedural memory- amygdala, cerebellum and cortex;
for long term memory- cortex.

in addition, the cholinergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic systems of the brain play an important role in the functioning of memory. They are a collection of interconnected nerve cells that secrete one of the neurotransmitters (hormones) - acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine.

They share many types of memory that work harmoniously, making up a single system.

Let's take a look at how memory works. Imagine a car throwing sand on the street - this is information that you have to remember. She travels, leaving a trail, from object to object (these are neurons - brain cells). For some time, this trace is preserved - the information is stored in memory. But if the car does not pass again along the same route, then soon there will be no trace left on the road. It is the same with memory, if the information is not repeated, not used, then it is gradually replaced by other stimuli.

Information (impressions, skills) pass from one nerve cell to another, forming a backbone. New information travels a different path, leaving a new trail.

Memory includes 4 processes:

imprint;
preservation;
reproduction;
forgetting.

they are provided by 4 memory mechanisms:

the formation of neural connections;
strengthening of nerve connections;
excitation of nerve connections;
inhibition of nerve connections.

Each memory process has its own mechanism. For example: information is imprinted through the formation of neural connections between a group of neurons. The imprinting process goes through two stages. The first is that nerve cells retain excitation, which provides short-term memory.

Second phase memorization- consolidation of excitation due to biochemical changes in brain cells and synapses (intercellular formations that ensure the transmission of a nerve impulse between neurons). Biochemical changes are not formed instantly, so it takes some time to memorize information. Optimal memorization occurs if information is repeated several times. Then the nervous excitation repeats the same path. This provides significant biochemical changes, as a result, such information is well remembered, stored in memory for a long time and easier to reproduce. Another important factor is the extent to which new material is related to existing knowledge. Simply put, it is easier to remember what the brain has already had to deal with.

saving information in memory is possible due to the fixation of neural connections. according to recent research, information related to working memory is encoded as changes in RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules. Each nerve cell has over 1000 altered RNAs. Long-term memory is provided by changes in the DNA molecules (deoxyribonucleic acid) located in the corresponding nerve cells that took part in memorization.

reproduction of information When it is necessary to remember the right thing, it is carried out by excitation of those neurons that memorized information. At the same time, connections with other semantic components are established in the brain. In other words, the more interconnected material in the brain regarding a given information, the easier it will be to recall it.

Forgetting information corresponds to the inhibition of nerve connections. this occurs when traces are replaced by new impressions. Old data is replaced with more up-to-date information. Forgetting is considered a defense mechanism that prevents the brain from overloading.

All information contained in the memory is stored in various zones cerebral cortex. For example, verbal-logical information is mainly localized in the frontal lobes. One neuron or a whole network of nerve cells can take part in remembering one event. Good memory is possible with the coordinated work of the cortex of both hemispheres.

Actions brought to automatism (washing, brushing teeth, closing the door) are not deposited in the cortex of the hemispheres.

Good memory is possible with a high tone of the cerebral cortex. It, in turn, depends on the work of subcortical structures and the general condition of the body. and the reticular formation and the limbic part of the brain increase the tone of the cortex and orient the attention of a person, creating a prerequisite for memorization.

How to determine that the memory is bad?

tests are used to determine the amount of memory

short term memory

a table is needed to study short-term visual memory. you can make it yourself. a sheet of paper is divided into 12 cells (3 rows, 4 cells each). Write a two-digit number in each compartment.
a person is offered to look at the table for 10 seconds, and then write down the numbers that he remembers. The average result is 6-7 numbers. insufficient volume - less than 5.

1. memory problems
difficulty with memorization;
difficulties with the development of new information;
2. data storage problems

3. problems with reproduction (remembering) of information

The word "twists on the tongue"
memory losses

The main causes of memory impairment (the reason is the mechanism for the development of pathology)

Chronic fatigue. Prolonged debilitating mental stress leads to disruption of the higher nervous system, including memory impairment. The abundance of information, the need to make decisions quickly, a high degree of responsibility for them, and multitasking especially worsen memory.

stress. often repeated and prolonged stressful situations have an extremely negative impact on the state of memory and higher nervous activity in general. Particularly affected is the preservation of information

sleep deprivation. scientists have proven that constant sleep deprivation reduces the efficiency of thought processes and memory by 30%. Most of all, the memorization and reproduction of information suffers.

Abuse of energy and stimulant drinks constant stimulation causes the brain to eventually become exhausted.

Smoking and alcohol abuse. nicotine causes a sharp narrowing of the cerebral vessels and this effect can persist for several hours. alcohol consumption (more than 40 g per day) causes intoxication of the nervous system. curiously, the complete rejection of alcohol (less than 20g per day) also negatively affects the state of memory.

Intoxication of the body with harmful substances. most negative impact aluminum, lead, copper, manganese, mercury render memory. these substances can accumulate in the body. this often happens in people working in hazardous industries.

Malnutrition. protein deficiency, essential fatty acids And chemical elements impairs the flow of processes in the brain and impairs its work.

Deficiency of vitamins E and group B. These substances are involved in oxygen metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters that ensure the passage of impulses between nerve cells.

Age changes associated with a decrease in brain activity, deterioration of blood circulation in the brain. If you do not take preventive measures, then even in healthy people, age-related memory deterioration occurs after 55 years.

Pregnancy and lactation. The hormone oxytocin has been found to have a negative effect on memory. Testosterone and estrogen contribute to the memorization of new information.

Taking certain medications- antidepressants, neuroleptics, painkillers, anticholinergics, barbiturates, antihistamines. In addition, when taking various groups of medicines, their action can cumulate.

Brain hypoxia. oxygen starvation of nerve cells is associated with poisoning carbon monoxide, circulatory disorders, suffocation,

Diseases internal organs:

pulmonary tuberculosis
pathology of the nervous system
cerebrovascular accident, stroke
traumatic brain injury
neurosyphilis
infectious diseases meningitis, encephalitis
benign and malignant brain tumors

How to improve memory?

IN last years The theory is gaining popularity that the brain, like a muscle, can be trained. the more often you train your memory, the better it will be. And this rule works at any age. This way of improving memory works, whether it is a bad memory in a child or age-related changes.

Repetition. repetition for 20 seconds after information arrives allows it to be retained in short-term memory longer and
memory training

1. Write down the numbers from 1 to 20 in a column. associate each number with an object, person or phenomenon. For example: 1-apple, 5-shop. The next day, try to remember which item corresponded to which number. Repeat daily, changing items. Record the number of correct answers.
2. write down 20 two-digit numbers, assign them serial numbers. It's better if someone else does it. For example: 1. 89; 2. 66…look at the chart for 40 seconds. reproduce everything you remember.
3. Read a passage of text consisting of 10 sentences. the text should not be artistic, but scientific journalistic. after 1 minute, you need to reproduce everything that you managed to remember.
4. remembering faces and surnames. for the exercise you need 10 photos of strangers. it is required to remember 10 persons, as well as first names, patronymics and surnames. 30 seconds are allocated for memorization. Then the photos are submitted in a different order, you need to remember the names of people.
5.

Medications to improve memory

OTC medicines
Drug group	representatives	Action	Mode of application
ginkgo biloba preparations	Bilobil, Memoplant, Gingogink, Bilobil Forte, Ginkgo Biloba	Improve blood flow, affect the vascular system of the brain. drugs improve the nutrition of nerve cells and their oxygen.	Adults - 1 capsule 3 times a day. course of treatment 3 months. Children under 18 years of age drugs are contraindicated.
Amino acids	Glycine, glycised, glycyram	Improves metabolic processes in neurons. Improves memorization during periods of intellectual stress (Examination session).	Tablets for resorption under the tongue. adults 2 tablets 3 times a day. children 1 tablet 3 times a day. duration of admission from 2 weeks to 2 months.
Nootropic drugs. gamma-aminobutyric acid preparations	Aminalon, noofen	Drugs improve cerebral circulation, metabolism of nerve cells , increase glucose uptake. Memory improves, weak antidepressant and psychostimulating effect.

Medicines prescribed by a doctor
Drug group	representatives	Action	Mode of application
Nootropics	Piracetam, Lucetam, Memotropil, Nootropil, Cerebril	Enhances the synthesis of dopamine. improves the transmission of nerve impulses between nerve cells. Improve blood circulation and metabolic processes in the brain. Increase the uptake of glucose by neurons.	Inside, 150-250 mg 3 times a day. In hospitals, drugs are administered intravenously. duration of treatment from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Nootropic and gamkergic drugs	Encephabol, pyritinol	Improves the capture and absorption of glucose by nerve cells. Increases the exchange of nucleic acids and the release of neurotransmitters in synapses.	Tablets or suspension are taken 3 times a day after meals. The average single dose for adults is 2 tablets or 10 ml of suspension. last dose no later than 3 hours before bedtime to avoid insomnia.
Psychostimulants and nootropics	Phenopropyl,	Activate brain activity, improving attention and memory. Regulate the processes of excitation and inhibition. Improve metabolic processes and blood circulation.	Take 100-200 mg 2 times a day after meals. The doctor sets the duration of admission individually (on average 30 days).

These drugs are prescribed only after consulting a doctor! they have contraindications and side effects.

Memory Improvement Products

B vitamins - meat and organ meats (liver, heart)
Vitamin E - Seeds, nuts, avocados, vegetable oil
polyphenols - red and black berries (currants, cherries, blackberries, grapes), green tea
Choline - egg yolk
Iodine - seaweed, feijoa, persimmon, sea fish
glucose – Honey, chocolate, sugar

Memory training

associations. read or have someone tell you 10 pairs of dining association words. house - comfort; blonde - hair dye. after 20-30 minutes, read the first words in
memorizing poems. memorize poetry. when memorizing 2 quatrains a day, memory will noticeably improve in 1-2 months.
remembering the sequence of playing cards. Draw 6 cards from the deck and try to remember the sequence in which they lie.
creating images

Treating the Causes of Bad Memory

If there are signs of memory impairment, it is necessary to contact a neurologist and a therapist to determine the causes of the violations. Further, based on the results of the examination, treatment is prescribed. Note that in people with memory impairment (except for memory lapses), neurological disorders are rare.

active lifestyle. sufficient physical activity is a condition for normal blood circulation in the muscles and brain. Camping, hiking, playing sports help to restore the full functioning of the brain.
new impressions. bright, emotionally colored events activate a large number of neurons in the cerebral cortex. which then take part in memorization.
don't let it be automatic. perform actions consciously. to do this, perform actions (closing the door, turning off electrical appliances) with your left hand if you are right-handed. Such a technique will make additional parts of the brain tense and the action will be remembered.
tasks, crosswords, puzzles, mental calculation.
focus on the object of action. concentration of attention allows you to use a whole network of neurons for memorization. this will facilitate the process of memorization, improve the safety of information and its recall at the right time.
use associations. The brain remembers information better that is related to the data already available. Therefore, it is easier to remember a person who looks like a friend.
maintain a positive attitude. What causes laughter and joy is remembered well. And when a person is depressed, the memory fails. therefore, it is necessary to consciously maintain a positive attitude - communicate with positive people, watch humorous programs.
to study a foreign language. activates the brain.
develop fine motor skills. it is recommended to master a new type of needlework, to distinguish between coins of different denominations, to sculpt from kaolin clay and plasticine.
throw 7-10 matches. watch for 1-5 seconds, then draw how the matches fell.
learn how to type on the keyboard with 10 fingers. this helps to engage new associative connections and additional cortical regions.

Why does a child have a bad memory? (main reasons)

Fetal asphyxia during pregnancy associated with toxicosis, early aging of the placenta.
neurosis. can develop against the background of overwork at school, frequent quarrels in the family.
lack of assembly
selective memory. only what is interesting
regular exercise
game training on the Internet wikium
eidetic

How to improve a child's memory?

Better to remember

significant material - the child understands what is important and why;
emotional material;
regularly used, included in permanent activity;
material related to what the child knows well;
imaginative thinking - imagine.
facts to which close attention was paid
material that was able to reproduce, repeat in the mind
meaningful, structured material
grouped material
memorization of pictures for preschoolers up to 10. each image is sequentially linked to.
verse. pictograms. retold. repeat after 2 hours. repeat 3 times at bedtime repeat in the morning.
auditory memory. pronounce 15 phrases - history. specific and absurd.
figures are images. 3-digit dictate numbers - short stories.
dates of birth, dates of events Pushkin

what to do

determine what type of memory is leading (visual, auditory, motor, tactile). it is necessary to use this type of memory when memorizing new material. Children with auditory memory will remember things read aloud better. a child with motor memory - will remember what he wrote down. those who have a visual memory, it is easier to remember what they see. in this case, it is desirable to use a text highlighter, diagrams, tables. preschool and toddler children school age well remember the illustrated material. determine what type it is.
to determine the leading type of memory, offer the child several passages of text of the same size. The first must be read "to yourself", the second aloud, the third rewrite, the fourth read to the child by you. then the child should retell the passages. the one that was remembered better, that kind of perception in the child is more developed.
train memory. learn by heart proverbs, riddles, quatrains, gradually moving on to longer verses. the result of training is the activation of a large number of neurons for memorization.
expand horizons. read to a child from an early age. educational cartoons, games, television programs also help. The more information a child accumulates in the first years of life, the easier it will be to remember in school years.
rest from mental stress. although children perceive information much easier than adults, they also suffer from overwork. Especially if it is accompanied by stress. This condition greatly reduces memory and affects other cognitive processes. It must be taken into account that memory deteriorates at 4-6 lessons, on Thursday and Friday. This is especially noticeable in the last weeks of the quarter. during such periods it is important to provide the child with a good rest. the best option there will be outdoor activities.
improve the coherence of the work of the hemispheres of the brain. finger gymnastics. Exercise "finger-cam"
more material on this topic. the more the child knows about animals, the easier it will be for him to remember new facts about them.
game "cam - finger"
tactile memory. probing toys with closed eyes.
arrange the toys on the table, watch for 10 seconds, then pick up one item. preschoolers 5-7.
verbal counting
develop motor memory.
association method
connection of emotions
creating images. Helps memorize phrases and numbers.

Easy memorization tricks

remembering foreign words in the form of ridiculous images
memorize a list or phone number - put items in order on a well-known route
remembering a person's last name is easier if you associate it with external features. Repeating to yourself several times also contributes to memorization. Then refer to a new acquaintance by name under any pretext: "Ivan Petrovich, if I understand you correctly." associate with a familiar person with the same name.
text. records, pictograms - the main thing in the sentence
Memory is like a muscle - it needs to be trained. as long as you train it, it improves. In the event that there is no need to use memory, then it is weakened.

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