Memory Lapse Causes

Our memory is the only thing which keeps us connected to everything around us. We memorize our past and connect it with our present and future. We come across several things daily, and all this information is memorized by a tremendous organ, the brain. It feeds all the information and behaves as a storage device. Forgetting someone's name, address, phone number, etc., are very normal, as they can be easily recalled after sometime. But what if the storage collapses and we turn totally blank? This can really be a very dangerous situation. So, let's find out what exactly is memory loss and what are its causes.

What is a Memory Lapse?

The brain is one of the most complex organs. It can be called the control unit of our body as it monitors and regulates all the functions. For proper functioning, the brain requires sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients. Any reduction in the amount of blood, oxygen or nutrition, may result in malfunctioning of the brain, which may further result in memory lapse. We basically have two types of memories, namely shot term memory and long term memory. The short term memory is stored for a short period and diminishes with time, but long term memory is stored for a very long time and sometimes even remains with you for your entire lifetime. Similarly, there are two types of memory lapses: short term memory loss and long term memory loss. Let's check out what are the memory loss causes, in the following paragraphs.

Causes of Memory Lapses

There are many causes of memory lapse. Forgetting for a few minutes can be normal but sometimes it can be very dangerous and can also need medical attention. Following are some of the memory lapse causes which will help you to understand your mental condition and how to take care of it.

Stress
Workload can sometimes cause you massive stress. Stress can also be caused due to emotional matters. This reduces the working ability of the brain, as already there are several things going on inside your mind. Due to this, you are not able to concentrate and focus on any particular thing. This further results in memory loss. Working for long periods of time without any rest may also result in memory lapse.

Fatigue
The more you make use of your body, the more it will require rest. Rest is very necessary for your brain as well as your body. Improper or lack of sleep may result in impaired action and functioning. The brain becomes slow and sluggish and the memory gets affected.

Hormones
Hormones play a very important role in memory lapse. Lower level of estrogen in the body during menopause and andropause results in the weakening of memory. Estrogen is one of the most important hormones for the proper functioning of the brain. It helps in remembering words, names and also helps in speaking.

Diet
A healthy diet is necessary for the functioning of brain. Lack in nutrition and vitamins in the body may result in the faulty transmission of information to the brain, which may further lead to the inability to recall things.

Drugs
People who consume drugs and alcohol may find it very difficult to recall things which they have done in the drugged state. This can also happen to the people who take high dosage of tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants and pain killers. We can say that any type of drug in a high dosage may lead to memory lapse.

Brain Injury and Tumors
Accidents and trauma may cause you serious brain injuries. These injuries may result in a mild to major sudden memory loss which can be very dangerous. Severe cases may also lead to permanent loss of memory. Brain tumor may also hamper the memory. It may depend upon the part where it is caused.

Other Causes
Age is one of the most common cause of memory lapse. Older people are unable to recognize and remember things around them due to the inability of the brain to function properly. Alzheimer's, epilepsy, strokes, infections, neurodegenerative diseases, etc., may also result in memory lapse.

Once you observe the symptoms of memory loss, try to take memory loss treatment in time so as to avoid the permanent loss of memory. Maintain a proper healthy diet with vitamin B, C and other nutrients, as it will keep your brain healthy and sharp.