Treatment of memory impairment

Memory impairment can occur at different ages and have many causes — from overwork to diseases of the nervous system. If memory deteriorates, it is important not to wait and to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», patients can have a consultation with a neurologist and the necessary examinations on expert-class equipment. After diagnostics, the doctor will determine the possible cause of the complaints and form an individual treatment strategy. To make an appointment, leave a request through the online appointment form on the website or contact the clinic's contact center.

Memory disorders can have different characteristics: from a weakening of the ability to memorize information to partial loss of memories or inaccurate reproduction of events. It is important to determine which exact type of impairment predominates, because the further treatment tactics depend on this.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: separate episodes of inattention do not always indicate a disease. However, if memory problems recur regularly, intensify, or become noticeable to loved ones, it is worth consulting a neurologist. The doctor will help determine whether the symptoms are associated with overwork, stress, age-related changes, or diseases that require treatment.

According to National Institute on Aging, memory problems are far from always associated with age-related changes and may have different causes. Memory deterioration may occur due to functional disorders, somatic diseases, neurological conditions, or the influence of external factors.

Possible causes include:

• chronic sleep deprivation and sleep schedule disorders;

• prolonged stress and psycho-emotional exhaustion;

• chronic fatigue syndrome;

• anxiety and depressive disorders;

• deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, or other important substances;

• thyroid gland diseases and other hormonal disorders;

• vascular diseases that affect the blood supply to the brain;

• consequences of infections, intoxications, or severe general diseases;

• side effects of some medicinal products;

• traumatic brain injury;

• neurodegenerative diseases.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend consulting a specialist if memory deteriorates without an obvious cause, after a previous disease, or against the background of physical and emotional exhaustion. A correctly established cause helps to select treatment and prevent the progression of impairments.

Separate lapses in memory may occur after injuries, severe stress, intoxication, sleep disturbance, or some neurological conditions. If a person does not remember a certain period of time, cannot reproduce important events, or notices a sharp deterioration of memory, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

At the same time, forgetfulness does not always indicate a serious disease, but it should not be ignored if it becomes regular. It is especially important to undergo an examination when symptoms are combined with headache, dizziness, mood changes, speech disorders, weakness, anxiety, or deterioration of sleep.

Diagnosis of memory decline begins with a consultation with a neurologist. The doctor clarifies when the complaints appeared, how quickly they progress, whether there were head injuries, infections, stressful events, sleep disorders, chronic diseases, or intake of medications that may affect the functioning of the nervous system.

During the examination, the doctor assesses memory, attention, speech, coordination, orientation in time and space, emotional state, and the ability to perform intellectual tasks. This helps to understand whether it concerns temporary exhaustion, consequences of another disease, or cognitive impairments that require a more detailed examination.

If necessary, the following may be prescribed:

• cognitive testing to assess memory, attention, and thinking;

• EEG to assess the electrical activity of the brain;

• laboratory diagnostics to identify metabolic, hormonal, or deficiency conditions;

• CT of the brain to identify consequences of injuries, acute disorders, or structural changes;

• MRI of the brain for a more detailed assessment of brain tissues, vascular changes, and possible organic causes of impairments;

• consultations with related specialists if the doctor suspects endocrine, vascular, or psycho-emotional causes.

Not all examinations are prescribed immediately. The doctor determines their sequence depending on complaints, medical history, and examination results. For example, with a gradual decline in memory, cognitive testing and laboratory diagnostics may be sufficient, and after an injury, sharp deterioration of the condition, or the appearance of neurological symptoms, it may be necessary to have an MRI or CT.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not undergoing examinations independently, without a preliminary consultation. First, a specialist must assess the complaints and determine which exact studies will be informative in a specific case.

The therapy program is compiled individually — taking into account the cause of memory disorders, the severity of symptoms, the patient's age, and concomitant diseases.

The main areas of treatment may include:

• treatment of the identified disease — correction of vascular, endocrine, neurological, metabolic, or psycho-emotional disorders;

• normalization of sleep and rest — if the problem is associated with overwork, chronic sleep deprivation, or exhaustion of the nervous system;

• correction of deficiency conditions — in the presence of a lack of vitamins, iron, or other substances necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system;

• review of medication therapy — if the patient takes medications that may affect attention or speed of thinking;

• cognitive rehabilitation — exercises and tasks for training memory, attention, speech, and thinking after injuries, diseases, or prolonged decline in cognitive functions.

If poor memory arose against the background of overwork, stress, or sleep disturbance, treatment often begins with restoring a normal regimen: establishing sleep, sufficient rest, reducing overload, and controlling the psycho-emotional state. If, however, during diagnostics a specific disease is identified, therapy is directed primarily at its treatment or stabilization.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that there is no universal medication for restoring memory. Nootropics, vitamins, or other remedies may be appropriate only for certain indications. Without establishing the cause, such medications may be ineffective and may not solve the main problem.

Prevention is especially important for people who have vascular diseases, sleep problems, or a hereditary predisposition to cognitive impairments.

To support memory, it is recommended to:

• follow a regular sleep schedule;

• rest enough and not allow chronic overload;

• maintain moderate physical activity;

• control blood pressure, glucose level, and cholesterol;

• eat a balanced diet;

• train memory, attention, and thinking;

• limit alcohol consumption;

• treat diseases that may affect the functioning of the brain in a timely manner.

Not only intellectual load is important, but also the general lifestyle. Regular walking, communication, reading, learning new things, stress control, and sufficient sleep help support cognitive functions.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not waiting until memory problems begin to affect work, studying, or everyday tasks. If repeated difficulties with memorizing, concentration, or orientation have appeared, it is worth consulting a specialist.

First, the patient has a consultation with a doctor, after which he determines which examinations are needed to clarify the diagnosis. Based on their results, the specialist determines the optimal therapy tactics.

You can find out the prices for consultations with doctors here. During the appointment, the doctor will guide you regarding further steps, necessary examinations, and the cost of medical services that may be needed. To schedule a consultation, leave a request through the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• National Institute on Aging
• US National Library of Medicine
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence