Causes of Memory Problems in Children

Memory is the defined as the ability to recall information which may be in the form of facts, incidences, events, normally and whenever required. This whole process involves three stages. The first stage includes the input of information which the person takes in. Now this data is encoded by the brain and stored in certain areas of it. This is the second stage. And in the third and the final stage, the output comes from the stored information in the brain. So, this is how we remember what movie we watched last night and what was the star cast, and several other things. But then there are many factors which may hamper this very process of input, encoding and output of information by the brain. And this memory problem is known as memory loss. This condition is a normal symptom of the aging process, and that is why it is more prevalent in the elderly. However, it can affect children and young people too. Factors behind memory problems in children or adults could be many, and in the following we have tried to list down the most common ones.

Causal Factors of Memory Problems

A person has a short term memory and a long term memory. The former type, as the name suggests, involves recalling low volume of information that has occurred in the recent past; a movie for example. And in the latter type, the memory remains for a good period of time, sometimes even for more than 10 years; for instance the memory of a scenic location. So these two types of memory can be hampered and there may be multiple reasons behind it.

Cause # 1
One of the most common factors that may contribute to problems with memory in children or adults is associated with some kind of injury to the head. This may be caused by an accident, fall from a bike or stairs, and the like. The cerebrum is known to be the dominant part of the brain in humans. It is the center of processing memory, intelligence, emotion, etc. So if any injury affects this part, then a sudden memory loss is the most likely repercussion. However, the intensity of this condition depends on the extent of the damage. Some people may recover from it, while some may develop a permanent case of amnesia (partial or total memory loss).

Cause # 2
Then comes malfunction in the blood supply to the brain as another possible cause of any problems with recalling in children or adults. Medical conditions like distress in the respiratory system, carbon monoxide poisoning, can cause the brain to receive lesser blood than what is required for optimal functioning. And when this happens, impaired memory is one of the consequences.

Cause # 3
One severe cause of memory loss could be Alzheimer's disease (AD). This condition is characterized by the degeneration of brain cells, causing them to die. And this results in a slow deteriorating memory, and gradual loss of cognitive abilities as well. This condition, however, is more common in the elderly.

Other Possible Causes

• Brain tumors
• Brain inflammation
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease (extremely rare)
• Meningitis
• Emotional shock or trauma

Here are a few tips you can make use of help your kids improve their memory.

• Activities like solving crossword puzzles, reading novels, playing music, exploring new places, do help in stimulating the brain and improving memory.
• Help your kids understand the importance of being socially active. Do not let them spend most of their time alone.
• Also it is very important to teach your kids how to prioritize their tasks. Being organized helps one to think clearly and avoid confusion.

And to conclude with one last advice, help your kids realize that doing two things together, does not serve the purpose of either. Focusing on one task at a time, yields more fruitful results.