Memory Problems

Memory problems are typically considered an issue for the elderly. In my experience as both a child and adult psychiatrist, however, I have seen memory problems across the lifespan. They commonly appear in children with learning disorders, in teens who are using marijuana, adults with depression and substance abuse problems and in the cognitive decline that occurs with aging and many forms of dementia. Memory is housed in a number of different areas of the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex which is thought to be involved with short term memory, such as holding phone numbers and the names of people we just meet; and the hippocampus in the temporal lobes which are structures critical to getting memories into long term storage. In assessing memory problems it is important to consider:

• medical causes, such as low thyroid or B12 deficiencies
• medications that interfere with memory such as anti-anxiety medicines like Xanax or painkillers like OxyContin
• brain illnesses, such as depression or ADD
• early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
• excessive stress, stress hormones have been found to kills cells in the hippocampus
• lack of sleep, sleep apnea
• post anesthesia, some people react negative to general anesthesia and complain of subsequent memory problems
• environmental toxins, such as finishing furniture or painting your car in a closed garage
• drug and alcohol abuse

• Types of Memory
• Memory Problems
• Understanding and Treating Memory Loss
• Medical Tests to Consider to Evaluate Memory Problems
• Supplements That May Be Helpful to Enhance Memory

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