Memory loss is observed in many people and needs attention as it can interfere with daily life. Short-term memory relates to the events in the recent past which tend to fade as we age. Long-term memory expands with age and is strongly recorded enabling us in recollection. Brain health plays a vital role in improving memory. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that is characterized by memory loss and dementia. This is a progressive, degenerative disease where the brain cells tend to waste away and die. The condition involves toxic beta amyloid deposits in neuritic plaques and arteriolar walls in the brain and affects the thinking ability, behavioral and social skills. The usual onset of the disease is seen mostly in the age group of 65 years and above. Memory loss associated with this condition persists and worsens the mental faculties affecting the ability to function at home and at work. 

Individuals with memory loss may:

• Take a longer time to complete the routine tasks
• Misplace items
• Forget the person’s name whom they met a few days before 
• Have behavioral changes
• Be asking the same question
• Forget appointments
• Lose keys regularly

Causes of memory loss

Here are some of the more common causes of memory loss:

• Medications: Medications that are prescribed to treat several conditions can also interfere with memory or cause memory loss. Some of these medications include sleeping pills, antidepressants, antihistamines, medication to treat anxiety, muscle relaxants, and tranquilizers. 
• Alcohol and tobacco: Excessive alcohol can cause memory loss. Smoking can influence the oxygen levels sent to the brain and cause memory loss. 
• Depression: Depression, stress, and anxiety can reduce focus and influence memory. 
• Nutritional deficiency: Memory can be affected by the deficiency of high-quality proteins, fats, B1 and B12 in the diet. 
• Head Injury: Severe head injuries can cause both short and long-term memory loss. 
• Stroke: Stroke affects the blood supply to the brain causing short-term memory loss. 
• Sleep deprivation: Getting enough sleep is important to function properly and focus on tasks at hand. Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to consolidate and recollect information. 
• Dementia: This is a progressive condition that is caused by alcohol abuse, damage to the brain or Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Other causes: Underactive or overactive thyroid gland, tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis can also cause memory loss. 

 If you find any signs of memory loss that are affecting your work or daily life, you have to consult a doctor who can identify the cause and guide you appropriately with the treatment. 

Ayurveda’s view on memory problems

There is a link between doshic balance and memory patterns. Vata people are quick learners but tend to forget what they learn very quickly. Pitta predominant individuals remember events, facts, details of importance and forget the rest. They are very selective in this aspect. Kapha people struggle to learn but they are good at remembering them. 

According to Ayurveda, learning and memory include Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti. Dhi is about learning and needs attention and focus. Dhriti is the power to process information. Smriti is an individual’s ability to recall something happened or learned in the past. Co-ordination between Dhi, Dhriti, and Smriti is important for the mental balance. 

Prana Vat is a sub dosha of Vata which is involved in mental functions. The harmony between Dhi, Dhriti, and Smriti are disturbed when Prana Vata is disturbed due to overuse or misuse of the mind which causes mental stress. 

Vyana Vata is a sub dosha of Vata which supports circulation. The communication between heart and mind is disturbed when both Vyana Vata and Prana Vata are affected. This creates an imbalance in Sadhaka Pitta. The real problem happens because of the imbalance of dhi, dhriti and smriti and lack of communication between the heart and mind.