"Susan,
how are you?" the voice calls out.
Uh, oh. You have no idea who this woman is or how you know her, but you
try to bluff your way through a conversation as best you can.
"Fine, and you? Yes, the kids are doing great."
Then, you look at your watch, make a hurried excuse and run.
Hours later, it comes
to you. She's your next door neighbor. And she has been for eight years.
Are you often fuzzy-headed
and have gaps in your memory? It happens to everyone once in awhile and
can be associated with aging. But if you're living with a mood disorder,
taking psych meds or have had electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT) - or all three - these may be the cause.
Do you have trouble:
- with numerical
calculations that used to be easy for you?
- recognizing people
you should know?
- finding the right
word?
- remembering facts:
how many teaspoons in a tablespoon? The governor's name?
- recalling events
from five years ago? Or last week?
You're not alone.
Causes of memory problems
Stress, depression, bipolar
disorder and some anxiety
disorders, particularly post-traumatic
stress disorder, can all cause some degree of memory and cognitive
difficulties.
Studies have shown
that people with bipolar disorder have problems with the memory of past
events, as well as working memory, spatial concepts and problem solving.
Researchers have actually found significant differences in regions of
the brain associated with memory in people with bipolar disorder compared
to people who do not have the disorder.
Depression can cause
problems with long-term memory, and if compounded by anxiety, problems
with the recall of new information, as well. Stress hormones can block
the ability to remember, affecting many people with mood and anxiety disorders.
Lithium,
a medication for bipolar disorder, was shown in four studies to cause
problems with memory, concentration and thinking processes. Many sleeping
pills, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are known to affect
memory and brain function, according to a Harvard Medical School report.
Benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety can also cause memory problems.
Electroconvulsive
therapy has repeatedly been proven to cause memory loss, although authorities
disagree about how long it can last.
Tips for keeping your mind sharp
Use memory tools
- Let calendars,
lists and electronic organizers help you stay organized.
- Keep keys, cell
phone, sunglasses in a basket by the door.
- Keep a list of
account numbers, log-ins and passwords together in a secure place where
you can access them when you need them.
Use it or lose
it
- A brain that gets
regular work-outs performs more effectively.
- Enjoy conversations
and activities with others.
- Do word games such
as Sudoku or crossword puzzles. Here's a good source for a fun mental
work-out.
- Take a class to
learn a new skill or explore a new interest
|
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 An
active body = an active mind
- Exercise increases
blood flow to your brain and makes you feel more energetic and alert.
- Try to get in a
half hour of exercise every day.
Take the dog for a walk. Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
- Practice yoga for exercise and relaxation.
Brain food: Eat smart
- Fruits and vegetables
contain antioxidants that protect and nourish brain cells
- Breakfast has been
shown to improve they way we think and remember.
- Certain nutrients
are believed to be particularly effective for improving memory and intellect.
- Calcium may
aid new learning and storing of information. Folic
acid helps oxygen get to the brain. Ginko biloba has shown promise
for memory enhancement in healthy subjects, according to the National
Institute of Health. Magnesium,
vitamins B3, B6 and B12, and essential fatty acids also play a part
in boosting brain power. You can find food sources for these nutrients
through a University
of New Hampshire database.
- Many dietary supplements
claim to have brain-boosting effects. But, do your homework. Supplements are not required to prove safety or effectiveness. Reliable information
on herbs and supplements can be found on the Medline database Herbs
and Supplements, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
and National Institutes of Health
De-stress your life
Stress can contribute to memory and cognitive difficulties.
- Simplify your life.
Are there commitments or activities you can eliminate?
- Take breaks when
you need to.
- Learn relaxation techniques.
- Don't let multitasking
overwhelm your mind.
Sources
Mayo Clinic
Aetna
InteliHealth and Harvard Medical School
National Library of Medicine/National
Institute of Health
Studies published on National
Center for Biotechnology Information: U.S. National Library of Medicine
and other databases
Pavel Yutsis MD and Lynda Toth, PhD, Why Can't I Remember? Avery 1998
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