Healthy Aging: Reasons for Memory Loss and Dementia Risk

Lack of Sleep

It is harder to recall things when you have not slept.

First, it’s harder to recall things when you haven’t slept. Second, sleep strengthens the bonds between brain cells that help you remember for the long term. Third, it’s harder to form memories in the first place when your mind is wandering because of a lack of sleep. Good “sleep hygiene” can help: Shoot for 8 hours a night, exercise daily, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the day.

Medication

Drugs that sedate you, like sleep aids and tranquilizers, can weaken your memory, as you might imagine.

Drugs that sedate you, like sleep aids and tranquilizers, can weaken your memory, as you might imagine. But so can less obvious culprits, like blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Plus, you may react differently than someone else to the same pill or combination of pills. Tell your doctor about any memory issues when you start a new medication. They may be able to adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative.

Article Submitted to MSRN by Pat France, MSRN Volunteer