Is amnesia for real?Yes, but it’s much different than the temporary, short-term memory loss which is quite common and we all experience from time to time. Amnesia refers to a persistent, profound loss of recall and is much more serious than simply forgetting where you put your keys.
What causes amnesia?
The degeneration and permanent loss of brain cells. Reasons for the cell loss vary. Aging
, malnutrition or vitamin deficiency, stroke, head trauma, and dementia are among the physical culprits leading to amnesia, but genetics and psychological factors often figure into the causation equation as well.
What are the symptoms of amnesia?
The primary symptom is memory loss. Some sufferers experience only partial loss of recall, while others are stricken with a complete erasure of memory. Secondary symptoms such as language-related issues, and inability to sense danger result from the patient’s lack of memory.
Similar to Alzheimer's disease, amnesia progresses gradually, but can eventually lead to loss of identity and inability to live independently.
Are there different types of amnesia?
Yes, amnesia can be characterized in several different ways:
RETROGRADE AMNESIA patients are unable to recall events that have happened in the past (before the onset of amnesia), but can typically make new memories moving forward.
ANTEROGRADE ANISEED sufferers lose the ability to retain short-term memories. As a result, they forget events soon after they occur. One cause of anterograde amnesia is the excessive use of alcohol.
DISSOCIATIVE AMNESIA can occur when an individual has experienced a psychological trauma, and subconsciously copes with the incident by dissociating from the painful event.
TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA or TGA occurs after a period of reduced blood supply to the brain. In most patients, TGA happens suddenly and typically lasts for less than 24 hours.
How is amnesia treated?
Cognitive therapies enable patients to regain lost skills and possibly prevent further loss of brain cells and memory. Several natural remedies can also aid in improving memory and preventing further loss of recall.
ALMONDS enhancement memory. To utilize the benefits, soak 10 to 12 nuts overnight, remove the skin and create a paste to be consumed every morning. Or, inhale approximately 15 drops of pure almond oil through the nose on a daily basis.
APPLES are rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B1 -- all components that assist in brain-cell recovery. So, to prevent and treat memory loss, eat an apple a day.
ROSEMARY has long been used in treating problems of the nervous system, too. The daily intake of rosemary tea maintains freshness and alertness of mind.