At some stage in our life, we will all feel as if we suffer from memory problems. Educational videos and nutritional tonics to help enhance brain and memory function are popular with those who are looking to enhance memory recall, cognition and also deter fatty brain degeneration due to age-related diseases. Let’s look at some of the causes, signs and symptoms behind these issues and read the full article for naturopathic recommendations.

Causes

• Poor blood flow to the brain

• Lack of dietary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-2 oils and phosphatidylserine (plays a key role in cell cycle signalling)

• Toxin exposure to drugs, carbon monoxide and heavy metals

• Candida overgrowth

• Menopause

• Head trauma or brain dysfunction

• Dementia

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Thyroid disease

• Pellagra (vitamin B deficiency)

• Alcholism

• Huntington’s chorea and multiple sclerosis

• Stress

• Dehydration and low blood sugar levels

Signs and Symptoms

• Brain fog

• Confusion and forgetfulness (where did you put those car keys?)

• Poor recall

• Short-term memory

• Poor cognition and comprehension associated with poor memory

• Mixing words up – for example saying “chair” instead of “bed”

• Mood or behaviour changes for no apparent reason

• Asking the same questions, again and again