Memory Loss Health Article

Diagnosis

To find the underlying cause of memory loss, your physician will obtain a detailed medical history, which documents the pattern, symptoms, and types of memory loss. He or she will also inquire about contributing factors that may worsen or trigger memory loss. A routine physical and detailed neuropsychological examination with a focus on memory function will be conducted. In addition, he or she will order several diagnostic tests.

Tests used to pinpoint the exact cause of memory loss may include neuroimaging; electroencephalography (EEG) for patients with seizures; blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue analysis to rule out specific diseases; and cognitive tests for gauging the patient's recent and remote (long-term) memory, and possibly his or her attention span, judgment, and word comprehension as well. The most common brief test given to evaluate a person for memory loss and other aspects of cognitive function is the Mini-Mental Status Examination, or MMSE, which is also known as the Folstein.

Available neuroimaging techniques include computed tomography or CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A CT scan can detect structural abnormalities, such as brain tumors or lesions. For detection of widespread loss of neurons associated with aging or degenerative diseases, an MRI, PET, or SPECT test can be run. They can show the severity and extent of nerve damage. These tests can also help the doctor pinpoint the exact cause of the memory loss. A PET scan is especially useful in that it allows the doctor to track and record which memory centers are stimulated in live, working brain tissue while a person is functioning.

Dietary guidelines

The following dietary changes are recommended to lower the risk of or slow memory loss:

• Reduce sugar intake.
• Avoid eating foods that contain such additives as artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, and artificial colors. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and become toxic, causing brain damage and memory loss.
• Eat organically grown foods that are not contaminated with pesticides or insecticides. These toxic chemicals can affect nerve function and cause memory loss.
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
• Do not use illicit drugs.
• Drink only filtered water to avoid toxic chemicals in the water system.
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. Raw fruits and vegetables are the best sources of the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxifying. Antioxidants also protect and support brain function.
• Get enough protein. Protein is necessary to maintain healthy muscles, organs, and nerve cells; and it also helps maintain blood sugar levels.
• Eat cold-water fish, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are believed to reduce the risk of strokes, blood clotting, and heart attacks. These are major causes of sudden memory loss in the elderly.