What causes forgetfulness?

Jan 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, possible causes of forgetfulness may include lack of mental stimulation, sleep deprivation, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral infarction, and others. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If the brain is seldom used over a long period, neurons may become relatively inactive, which can impair memory and lead to symptoms such as forgetfulness and slowed thinking.

Under normal circumstances, possible causes of memory loss may include insufficient mental stimulation, lack of sleep, anxiety disorder, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral infarction, and others. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient mental stimulation

If the brain is rarely used over a long period, neurons may become relatively inactive, affecting memory and leading to forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, and similar symptoms. It is recommended to develop good reading habits and engage in moderate mental activity.

2. Sleep deprivation

Sleep is a critical period for the brain to organize and consolidate memories. Lack of sleep may disrupt this process, resulting in forgetfulness, fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness in limbs. Avoid staying up late and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

3. Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is often associated with psychological stress and genetic factors. Hormones released during anxiety may negatively affect the brain's memory centers, causing symptoms such as forgetfulness and headaches. Treatment may include medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, venlafaxine hydrochloride capsules, or Jieyu Anshen granules under a doctor’s guidance. Symptoms can also be alleviated through relaxation training.

4. Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that disrupts normal communication and function of neurons, particularly in brain regions related to memory, leading to symptoms such as forgetfulness and aphasia. Medications such as memantine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, rivastigmine tartrate capsules, and donepezil hydrochloride tablets may be used under medical supervision.

5. Cerebral infarction

Cerebral infarction occurs when blood vessels in the brain become suddenly blocked, causing ischemia and necrosis in part of the brain tissue. This can lead to various cognitive and neurological impairments, including memory loss, numbness, and hemiplegia. Treatment may include medications such as Naoxintong capsules, enteric-coated aspirin tablets, and citicoline sodium tablets, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, consuming more protein-rich foods such as milk, eggs, and chicken may also help protect brain health.