Sudden Memory Loss

Have you ever experienced sudden memory loss?

Realizing that you can’t recall what you were just about to say or do can be scary. You may be worrying if it is a sign of dementia or another health condition.

Thankfully, there are a number of other causes when it comes to forgetting. And some of them may be reversible.

While you should check your forgetfulness out with a doctor, you may be relieved to know that another factor is responsible for your sudden memory loss, especially if your recent schedule or lifestyle change fits the bill.

Causes

Numerous factors may cause you to be more forgetful, including:

Sleep

When you don’t sleep enough, you’re more likely to forget things. And it doesn’t end there. Sleeping to little can also cause anxiety and mood changes, says Harvard Health, “which in turn contribute to problems with memory.”

Alcohol

Another culprit is alcohol, says the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol can cause memory loss by impairing your mental functioning. This usually happens through chronic alcoholism. Another way alcohol leads to forgetting is by affecting the medications you take.

Medication

According to Harvard Health, “tranquilizers, antidepressants, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications can affect memory, usually by causing sedation or confusion. That can make it difficult to pay close attention to new things.” So if you suspect your medication to be playing a role in your memory loss, make sure to mention this to your doctor.

Vitamin B-12

A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can cause memory issues. “This nutrient helps your body use energy from food, and it protects nerve cells so you can think clearly.” Vitamin B-12 deficiency is more common in older adults.

Head Injuries

Sustaining a head injury can lead to memory loss. This is true even if the injury didn’t make you unconscious, according to webmd.com.

Can anything on this list be responsible for your sudden memory loss?

Please share in the comments below.