As people age, it is not uncommon for them to notice inability to focus and short-term memory loss.  Simple and relatively harmless events may happen on occasion such as misplacing keys or forgetting a familiar phone number that has been dialed on countless occasions.  We all have the tendency to have lapses in memory from time to time, and in most cases, these memory blips are simply a sign of the normal aging process and not a warning of mental deterioration.

What causes short term memory loss?  To begin with, it helps to understand how the short term memory works compared to the long term memory.  Typically, only small amounts of information are stored in the short term memory, while additional information is either forgotten or preserved in our long term memory for later use. 

Our short term memory keeps information we need to access quickly, for instance, recalling the sequence of digits of a phone number for the amount of time we require to dial it, the last location where we left our keys, what item we need to pick up at the store, etc.  Long term memory, on the other hand, is responsible for remembering facts regarding our past and preserves memories that are necessary to our day-to-day living, such as understanding language, world history, beliefs, social rules, dates, locations, and the basic functions of life (i.e. eating, walking, talking, etc.).    Thus, due to the limitations of the short term memory, it is far more likely for you to forget what you did an hour ago verses the name of your favorite grade school teacher.

There are different conditions and lifestyle factors that causescause short term memory loss. They include, but are not limited to:

     Medications - Many over-the-counter and prescribed medications, or a combination of drugs, can make 
     your drowsy or may interfere with neurotransmitters that are vital to your memory.

     Drug and Alcohol abuse – Neurotransmitters that are essential for memory processes are blocked 
     by illicit drugs (i.e. cocaine, marijuana), while excessive alcohol consumption is toxic to brain cells.

     Environmental toxin exposure – Certain substances within a workplace or home can lead to the 
     inability to focus and short term memory loss, such as: carbon monoxide leaks from heaters; 
     chemicals in pesticides; paint, dyes and inks that contain mercury; lead in paint or drinking water 
     (may occur in older homes).

     Depression – Constant depression can have a negative impact on the brain, resulting in a loss of 
     neurons in the brain that are needed for memory, a loss of concentration, difficulty processing 
     information, and short term memory loss. 

     Low blood sugar levels – Low levels of blood sugar causes short term memory loss because 
     it can make the brain lethargic.  Low blood glucose levels tend to occur when people skip meals 
     during the day.

     Hormonal changes – Hormonal imbalance, such as dwindling estrogen levels, can lead to short 
     term memory loss in menopausal women.  Estrogen works with neurotransmitters in the brain 
     and helps to maintain healthy memory.

     Vitamin B12 deficiency – This vitamin works to protect neurons, and as some people age, 
     there bodies are no longer able to effectively absorb it.

     Thyroid problems – The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling metabolism.  If your thyroid
     is overactive (metabolism is too fast) this can lead to confusion, and if it is underactive 
     (metabolism is too slow), this can result in sluggishness.

     Mental illness – Symptoms of mental illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are 
     also causes of short term memory loss.

     Hearing loss – Quite simply put: If you cannot hear what others are saying, you won’t be 
     able to remember it.

Once you have consulted with your physician and you and your doctor have ruled out that you suffering from a disease, efforts can be made to maintain current brain and memory functions and to encourage some improvements by supporting brain health. You may want to look into one of several dietary supplements that help improve mild age related memory loss.

Better brain health can be achieved through many means that should be discussed with your doctor.  He or she may suggest better nutrition, exercise, sleep, the use of memory games, or including dietary supplements, such as NeurAxon Citicoline, to your daily routine.  In a reputable clinical study, NeurAxon Citicoline was shown to be very helpful in protecting the integrity of brain cells and repairing damage to the cells and the connections between them, which can result in improved brain and memory function.

If you are concerned about your inability to focus and short term memory loss, you should consult your doctor to discuss possible causes and to receive a proper diagnosis before engaging in any type of treatment.