HEALTH - MEMORY LOSS

HEALTH - MEMORY LOSS

Memory loss affects thousands of people every year. Memory loss is often attributed to getting older. In reality, age-related memory loss is a fallacy. The latest scientific research indicates that memory loss is actually a direct result of decreased use of the memory centers within the brain. At first, memory changes often appear subtle. For example, you may walk into a room and forget why you are there, or recognize someone you have met before, but can't recall their name. Early symptoms of memory loss may progress to more significant memory loss.

The good news is that the latest documented research indicates that specific areas of the brain, primarily the temporal lobes, can be activated to improve memory. Anatomically, the brain is comprised of a right and a left cortex. Each cortex contains an area called the temporal lobe. The temporal lobes are responsible for retaining specific types of short- and long-term memory. For example, the left temporal lobe is most related to remembering word lists, processing verbal language, and recalling language spoken in a monotone voice. The right temporal lobe is affiliated with remembering familiar events as well as processing non-verbal information. The right temporal lobe will house memory such as voice-intonation memory.

If one portion of the brain isn't working at its maximum, memory as well as other functions of the temporal lobe may be affected. This would also include one's ability to smell and hear. Fortunately, the temporal lobes can be directly stimulated to improve memory. One treatment modality used to improve memory is olfactory stimulation. Olfactory stimulation in one or both nostrils will directly stimulate the temporal lobe.

Auditory stimulation in one ear or visual stimulation on one side can also improve temporal lobe plasticity. Looking at familiar faces will stimulate the left amygdale area deep in the temporal lobe, while looking at unfamiliar faces will stimulate the right amygdale area. Other modalities which may be used to increase global brain function include T.E.N.S., word searches, mazes, looking at big letters made of small letters, or viewing familiar or unfamiliar faces. Memory loss, also known as amnesia, is a state of unusual forgetfulness. It can be caused by brain damage resulting from diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. It may result from an injury or severe emotional trauma. The normal aging process may lead to slower recall of information and greater difficulty in learning new material. In itself, however, aging will not dramatically affect one’s memory.

Memory involves several different functions of the brain. Most students of the brain divide memory into two kinds, declarative and procedural. The procedural involves skills and habits. The declarative, on the other hand, involves storing facts. Memory processes can be itemized according to the time they take: very short-term memory, which lasts about 100 milliseconds; short-term memory, which is of a few seconds’ duration; working memory, which stores recent experiences; and long-term memory, which houses verbal material that has been rehearsed and motor skills that have been practiced. One possible explanation of long-term memory is that it starts with activity in the front part of the brain. The information chosen for long-term memory passes as an electrical impulse to a part of the brain known as the hippo campus. Here a process called long-term protestation enhances the neurons’ ability to pass messages.

Treatment

There is nothing special in forgetting where you placed your spectacles or car keys, in which lot you parked your vehicle, or maybe names of some of your acquaintances. When a person grows old, he tends to forget things easily. But, not all people experience serious memory changes. A little forgetfulness is regular feature of aging. But at times, people generally get frustrated with this type of forgetfulness. With passing years, as you grow older, it is quite natural to experience certain loss of memory.
 However, a random incident, occurring once in a while, does not need particular attention and is not indicative of affliction. Here are some steps to enhance retention skills.It is of utmost importance that you completely concentrate on the task at hand. One is liable to forget things if multiple thoughts are going on in his mind. These wandering and wavering thoughts disturb your focus and thus, a memory lapse occurs. So, reduce your pace and provide required focus on the task at hand. This shall decrease your odds of forgetting things and thus, it will improve your memory.

more information
www.memorylossonline.com
www.healthscout.com
www.memory-loss-facts.com