Memory Loss: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Memory loss is the condition where a patient is unable to recall the long term, short term, or both types of memories. It may be mild as occasionally forgetting names or misplacing small things, or severe like forgetting long periods of time or simple day to day activities like tying shoelaces.

Memory loss may be caused by a variety of factors. It may be caused by accidental trauma to the head which damages the brain. Drinking excessive alcohol can damage the neurons of the brain leading to memory loss. Excessive smoking reduces oxygen supply to the brain leading to neuron death and loss of memory. A stroke interrupts blood supply to an area of the brain, stopping oxygen and nutrient supply leading to memory loss. Stress and depression can lead to memory loss. Improper nutrition, as well as some medications can cause memory loss. Some diseases like Alzheimer’s Syndrome, Dementia, etc. causes memory loss. Lack of proper and complete sleep can also cause memory loss.

Treatment of memory loss depends on the cause. If it is caused by a disease, treatment for the disease cannot recover lost memory, but can prevent further loss. If caused by other factors, tackling the factors help to improve memory.

Treatment for memory loss depends on the cause. If caused by excessive smoking or drinking, abstaining from these usually improves memory. If caused by nutritional deficiency, nutrition supplements, a well balanced diet and proper exercise improves memory. Recovery of memory is achieved after stroke by following therapy.

Memory loss caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s Syndrome, Dementia, etc. are usually irreversible and treatment for these diseases can only prevent further loss of memory.

People who regularly forget small things, misplace regular objects like keys, cannot match names to faces, forget long periods of time at a stretch, forget addresses or routes to places, etc. are all eligible for treatment for memory loss.

Forgetfulness is common and may affect anybody. However, it does not require treatment if it does not significantly affect day to day activities.

Treatment for memory loss mostly takes place in the form of therapy, which does not have side effects. If medications are used, some side effects may be observed.

Treatment for memory loss is a long term process and post treatment guidelines usually involve maintaining a healthy balanced diet and a fit and active lifestyle.

In most cases, memory loss treatment is a long term process that may even last for a lifetime. Time taken for recovery varies from person to person depending on their age, extent of their memory loss, etc.

Price of treatment starts from Rs. 500 for medications and nutritional supplements, and goes up to Rs. 50,000 or higher for surgical procedures and long term treatments.

Results of the treatment are not permanent. Treatment focuses on recovery of lost memory and preventing further loss.

A number of alternative treatment options are available for memory loss, including herbal medications, nutritional supplements, etc. Efficacy of these methods varies widely from person to person.