Amnesia refers to partial or complete loss of memory. Different types and degrees of amnesia occur in people with mental disorder or those experiencing old age.
Causes of Amnesia
Amnesia is mainly caused by the impairment of brain cells from diseases that directly affect the central nervous system or indirectly through poor blood supply because of circulatory diseases. Due to the dullness and weakness of the brain, poor memory often happens.
Since normal memory function involves many parts of the brain, any disease or injury that affects the brain can interfere with the intricacies of memory. Amnesia is the result of brain damage in the limbic system, which controls memories and emotions.
The following are possible causes of amnesia:
- Stroke
- Lack of adequate oxygen in the brain caused by a heart attack, respiratory distress, or carbon monoxide poisoning
- Brain inflammation or encephalitis caused by viral infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE)
- Bleeding between the brain and skull
- Tumors in areas of the brain and control memory
- Long-term alcohol abuse that leads to thiamine deficiency or beri-beri, which eventually causes Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Certain seizure disorders
- Electro convulsive therapy (ECT)
Head injuries sustained in car accidents and the like can also lead to confusion in remembering new information, especially in the early stages of recovery, but do not usually cause severe amnesia.
A rare type is the psychogenic or dissociative amnesia. It stems from emotional shock or trauma such as being involved in a violent crime. In this disorder, the victim may lose personal memories and autobiographical information for a few hours or days, or even longer.
Symptoms of Amnesia
The most common symptom of amnesia is verbal disassociation. In this condition, the patient forgets words and names. A rather uncommon form of amnesia is temporary memory loss, in which the person forgets his or her own identity, including autobiographical information. In cases of poor memory caused by brain frailty, the person may suffer from mild headache, inability to concentrate, and intolerance to noise.
Treatment and Drugs
Treatment for amnesia concentrates on techniques and strategies to help make up for the memory problem. A person with amnesia may consult an occupational therapist to learn new information on how to regain lost memories, or how to use intact memories as a means to take in new information. Memory training may include a variety of strategies for organizing information. Patients have an easier time remembering information and there is an increase in the understanding of extended conversations.
Many people suffering from amnesia find it helpful to use a personal digital assistant (PDA). With familiarity, training, and practice, people with amnesia can use these electronic organizers to aid them with day-to-day tasks. A PDA may be programmed to remind the amnesiac about important events or when to take medications. The gadget also serves as a tool to familiarize oneself with photographs and special occasions.
Currently, no medications are available for treating amnesia. Some doctors recommend patients to take vitamins, such as for treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which involves the lack of thiamine.
Researchers are currently investigating several neurotransmitters involved in memory formation. They hope for a breakthrough that will lead to new treatments for memory disorders; however, due to the complexity of the brain, a single medication is not likely to cure or resolve memory problems completely.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure. The root cause of most amnesia cases is brain injury. To avoid having a brain injury, you must follow these practices:
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
- Wear a seat belt when driving.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motor bike.
- Treat brain infections immediately and aggressively.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for a stroke or brain aneurysm.
Alternative Treatment
Since there are no medicines that can completely cure amnesia, people may resort to natural remedies to treat it. Though there are no extensive scientific studies that will prove these methods to be 100% effective, they are safe to use considering the organic nature of the ingredients. No side effects have been reported in relation to these methods, so there is really no harm in trying.
- Almonds. These are very valuable in restoring poor memory caused by brain frailty. They contain unique properties that can remove brain debility and strengthen the brain. The almonds should be immersed in water overnight and the skin removed. The immersed almonds should then be made into a fine paste and mixed with one teaspoon of butter. The amnesiac should take 10 to 12 almond mixtures per day. Inhaling 10 to 15 drops of almond oil through the nose, morning and night, may also help in treating brain frailty.
- Walnuts. Walnut is a unique dry fruit that can counter brain frailty. Taking about 20 grams of walnuts with figs or raisins, in a proportion of 10 grams each everyday, may help improve the condition of the brain.
- Apples. The various nutrients contained in apples, such as vitamin B1, phosphorus, and potassium, help in the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple with one teaspoon of honey and a cup of milk everyday could treat memory loss and mental irritability. The fruit also serves as an effective nerve tonic that recharges the nerves with new energy and life.
- Other Fruits. Those rich in phosphorus are valuable food supply in mitigating amnesia. Fruits such as figs, grapes, and oranges invigorate the brain cells and tissues, while also enhancing memory.
- Herbal Remedies. Herbs such as cumin seeds, black pepper, rosemary, sage, and brahmi booti are valuable remedies for amnesia or dullness of memory. Infusing these herbs in dishes will improve the condition of an amnesiac.
Recommended intake:
- Cumin seeds: three grams of black cumin seeds mixed with two teaspoons of pure honey. Taken once a day, preferably in the morning.
- Black pepper: five seeds of finely ground black pepper mixed with one teaspoon of honey. Taken twice a day, morning and evening.
- Rosemary: tea made from this herb taken once or twice a day.
- Sage: tea prepared from dried sage leaves taken everyday.
- Brahmi booti: seven grams of this herb dried in the shade and grounded in water, along with seven kernels of almonds and half a gram of pepper. Add honey or jaggery to the mixture afterwards. Taken every morning for a fortnight on an empty stomach.
Dietary Consideration
Diet is an important factor in the treatment of amnesia. A person suffering from amnesia should have all the essential nutrients needed to prevent anxiety neurosis and improve brain function. Amnesiacs should avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, flesh food, white flour, sugar, and any product made from white flour and sugar.
Other Measures
Amnesiacs should have sufficient rest and sleep under proper conditions all the time. They must also learn the art of scientific relaxation and meditation.
Amnesia can take away memories that are part of your identity. Having amnesia is like being imprisoned because of your inability to properly communicate with loved ones and the non-existence of familiarity. Amnesia is a condition that may change your perfect life forever so preventing such occurrence should be top priority. Be careful at all times and protect the most important part of you—the brain.
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