What causes poor memory?

Jul 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My little niece has a particularly poor memory; she forgets things right after they are said. I would like to learn more about the reasons for having a poor memory.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
Memory impairment, commonly known as "poor memory," may be caused by various factors: 1. **Physiological factors**: Natural decline of brain function with aging,表现为 gradually declining memory, but does not affect daily activities. 2. **Disease-related factors**: Certain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy can affect brain neurotransmitters or brain cell function, leading to memory loss. Underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes may also impact memory. 3. **Psychological factors**: Long-term psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional states, as well as insomnia or poor sleep quality, can negatively affect memory. 4. **Lifestyle factors**: Long-term reliance on electronic devices or lack of habits involving critical thinking and learning may also lead to deterioration of the brain's memory function. 5. **Congenital factors**: For example, if the mother is either very young or very old at pregnancy, or contracts a viral infection during pregnancy, it may affect the fetus's memory development. If you have concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly.