According to physicians, memory loss is no longer seen as a natural aspect of aging. According to Robert S. Wilson, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Center, "the very early mild cognitive impairments long assumed to be normal aging are really the first indicators of progressive dementia, in particular Alzheimer's disease." Memory function in old age is affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias considerably more than we previously realized, according to research. Here are the top five causes of memory loss, according to specialists. Continue reading and pay close attention to these Sure Signs If You've Already Had COVID to protect your health and the health of others.

1. HEAD INJURY

Head injuries can result in amnesia, which might be permanent depending on the severity of the injury. According to research, head injuries can also increase the chance of dementia later in life. "Head injury is a significant risk factor for dementia, although it is preventable. Our findings indicate that the number of head injuries is important - more head injuries are related with an increased risk of dementia "Andrea L.C. Schneider, MD, PhD, states

2. ALCOHOL ABUSE

According to a recent study, there is no "safe" level of drinking, especially when it comes to brain health. "Previous research has found that subtle changes that demonstrate brain damage can present in ways that are not immediately detectable on routine intellectual function testing and can progress unchecked until they present with more noticeable changes in memory," says Tony Rao, a visiting clinical fellow in Old Age Psychiatry at King's College London. "Even at low-risk drinking levels, there is evidence that alcohol intake plays a higher effect in brain injury than previously assumed."

3. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory loss. "Stress, a busy day, lack of sleep, and even some drugs can interfere with memory formation and recall," explains geriatrician Sevil Yasar, MD, PhD. "And we all have moments when a name or the title of a movie comes to mind, but those are not the same as the kinds of lapses that may be indicators of dementia… It's always a good idea to consult your doctor if you're worried about yourself or a loved one."

4. BRAIN TUMOR

Memory loss can result from brain tumors and their subsequent therapy. According to the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center, "cognitive impairment is a common problem among long-term survivors of brain tumors and can be connected to both the brain tumor and its treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy." "Brain tumors and resection surgery produce physical changes in brain tissue and can result in diffuse cognitive deficiencies such as issues with attention, memory, executive functioning, and information processing."

5. TRAUMATIC EVENT

Trauma can result in both long-term and short-term memory loss. "People who witness a traumatic occurrence, such as a vehicle accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack, frequently cannot recall the situation," explains Fabiana Franco, PhD. "It's also normal to forget what happened just before or after the occurrence. Similarly, many people who were abused as children have trouble recalling huge sections of their childhood. Memory problems can persist into adulthood in these cases, especially when faced with emotional distress."