It's very natural to miss a word, lose your keys, or even have problems remembering instructions now and again. As you become older, these types of memory lapses become more typical. However, unexpected and severe memory loss, including forgetting your kid's names or losing track of where you are, might indicate a more serious issue.

Alzheimer's disease as well as other kinds of dementia can cause memory loss. Whenever it comes on suddenly, though, it's usually due to something else. Many of these issues may be resolved.

Here are some of the causes of unexpected memory loss, as well as what you could do about it:

Depression

Your emotions and memories are inextricably linked. Depression, stress, and worry may all hinder your ability to concentrate. When one can't focus, it's difficult to recall things.

If you're upset or have lacked interest in activities you used to enjoy, get treatment from a mental health expert. Depression can be treated with antidepressants and talk therapy.

Deficiency in Vitamin B12

A lack of vitamin B12 in your food might also have an impact on your memory. This vitamin aids in the use of food energy and preserves nerve cells, allowing you to think effectively.

Vitamin B12 is not produced by your body. It's found in foods including meat, fish, milk, cheeses, and eggs. Vegans may not acquire sufficient vitamin B12 from their diet alone. If you're deficient in this vitamin, consult your doctor.

Abuse of alcohol

Alcohol makes it difficult to build new memories or remember what you've learnt in excessive doses.

You may 'blackout' if you binge drink, or consume a large number of bottles in a short period. You can forget entire periods. Memory loss might become permanent if you drink too much.

Traumatic Brain Injury

You may be unable to recall persons or events after a fall, vehicle accident, or other forceful blow to the head. Even if you are not knocked out, the injury might cause memory loss.

Memory problems may or may not go away depending on the severity of the head injury.

Strokes

A stroke occurs when blood supply to a region of your brain is cut off due to a blockage and weak spot in a blood vessel. Brain cells begin to perish without oxygen-rich blood. A stroke can result in both short- and long-term memory loss. You may forget what you've learnt or get quickly perplexed.

To preserve your blood vessels and avoid more strokes, do the following:

• Diet, exercise, and medication can help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• If you have diabetes, you should treat high blood sugar.

Avoid smoking.

Amnesia

Amnesia occurs when you abruptly lose the memory of yourself or your life. It can be triggered by a brain injury or damage.

'Transient global amnesia' is a form of memory loss in which you lose track of where you are and what has transpired.

To acquire your bearings, you could keep asking the same question repeatedly.

This sort of amnesia can occur as a result of:

• a concussion
• Emotional distress
• Strenuous workout
• Some scope techniques for illness diagnosis
• Temporary global amnesia is uncommon and does not require treatment. It should improve by itself.

Brain Cancer

Memory can be affected by brain damage caused by a tumour or its therapies. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation all have the potential to impair your capacity to think rationally. Cancer might also leave you exhausted and unable to think clearly.

Take care of yourself if you're undergoing cancer treatment. To preserve energy and maintain your memory, eat healthily and get enough rest.

Thyroid Issues

Hormones thyroid hormone in your neck regulates how rapidly your body will burn food for energy. When your thyroid produces insufficient hormones (hypothyroidism), your entire body slows down. You may experience fatigue, depression, and forgetfulness.

A blood test will be performed by your doctor to determine your thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone medications will be prescribed if they are low.

What Should You Do?

Consult your doctor if you're concerned about memory loss. They'll ask about your health history and do tests to figure out what's wrong. Cognitive impairment can be addressed for a variety of reasons.