Long
Term Memory Loss: Causes and Coping Skills
Long term memory, as opposed to
our short term or working memory, is the portion of the brain where
memories are stored that are more significant for some reason, either
for their content or through rehearsal and meaningful association,
and additional synapses between neurons has occurred to place the
memories into the long term memory storage. Our long term memory
affects the way that we view the world; it helps make up our perceptions
and our personalities. Facing any sort of long term memory loss
can be a significant problem. There are a number of reasons why
long term memory problems may occur:
- Injury – Traumatic brain injury can cause
long term memory loss
- Alcoholism – long term alcoholism
can have an effect on long term memory storage and retrieval
- Aging – As we age, our brain cells
begin to deteriorate
- Hormonal Fluctuations
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Underactive Thyroid
- Neurodegenerative disease – Alzheimer’s,
Dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and
Parksinsons disease can all have significant effects on long
term memory
If you feel that your long term memory problems
may be as a result of something as significant as a neurodegenerative
disease or any of the other diseases and syndromes mentioned above,
than you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The earlier you can catch these diseases, the easier they will be
to manage and possibly control. However, if you feel that your long
term memory loss is related to something like age than there are
some simple steps to take that will help you cope with day to day
life. Keeping journals, writing detailed lists and letters to yourself,
and making a place for all of your important items and keeping those
items in those places are all ways to help cope with long term memory
problems. You should do your best to try and monitor your long term
memory problems, and if you feel that they are increasing you should
contact your physician as soon as possible.
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