What medicines can cause memory loss?

Caution! These 10 Drugs Can Cause Memory Loss
  • Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines) ...
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins) ...
  • Antiseizure drugs. ...
  • Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants) ...
  • Narcotic painkillers. ...
  • Parkinson's drugs (Dopamine agonists) ...
  • Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)


What medications cause memory loss and forgetfulness?

Drugs That May Cause Memory Loss
  • Antianxiety drugs.
  • Cholesterol drugs.
  • Antiseizure drugs.
  • Antidepressant drugs.
  • Narcotic painkillers.
  • Parkinson's drugs.
  • Hypertension drugs.
  • Sleeping aids.


What prescription medicines cause memory loss?

Here are five drug types known to cause memory loss:
  • Benzodiazepines. ...
  • Beta-blockers. ...
  • Tricyclic antidepressants. ...
  • Statins. ...
  • Narcotic painkillers. ...
  • If you suspect drug-related memory trouble.


What are the 9 prescription drugs that cause dementia?

Some anticholinergic drugs linked to dementia risk include:
  • Amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Benztropine (Cogentin)
  • Biperiden (Akineton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimaphen DM)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton)
  • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)


Can memory loss be a side effect of medication?

A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with or cause loss of memory. Possible culprits include: antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and pain medications given after surgery. Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.


Research links widely-used drugs to a higher risk of dementia



What is the most common cause of memory loss?

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. Vascular dementia. Frontotemporal dementia.

What causes sudden memory loss and forgetfulness?

Concussion or head trauma. Not enough oxygen getting to the brain when your heart or breathing is stopped for too long. Severe brain infection or infection around brain. Major surgery or severe illness, including brain surgery.

Why am I forgetting things all of a sudden?

Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.


Why do I forget what I'm talking about mid sentence?

The answer is you are likely to have been “dual-tasking” just before speaking. It might have been because you were thinking about the words you wanted to say and something else at the same time. Or maybe you were concentrating on listening while trying to think of what to say.

When does forgetfulness become a concern?

Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include: Asking the same questions over and over again. Getting lost in places a person knows well. Having trouble following recipes or directions.

Why can't I remember words when talking?

It is not necessarily a sign of something serious*, but more of an occasional brain glitch. Scientists have found that some things make TOTs more common – such as caffeine, fatigue, and strong emotions – and that words learned later in life are more likely to be forgotten.


What lack of vitamin causes forgetfulness?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to impaired cognition and memory along with a sensation of tingling and numbness, an outcome of poor myelination. Elevated methylmalonic acid and serum homocysteine levels are markers of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

How do you fix memory loss?

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  1. Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. ...
  2. Stay mentally active. ...
  3. Spend time with others. ...
  4. Stay organized. ...
  5. Sleep well. ...
  6. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  7. Manage chronic health problems.


What are some warning signs of severe memory loss?

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life. ...
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems. ...
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks. ...
  • Confusion with time or place. ...
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. ...
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing.


How do doctors test for memory problems?

Health care providers often use a brief test such as the Short Test of Mental Status, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). More detailed testing may help determine the degree memory is impaired.

Which blood pressure medications cause memory loss?

Beta-blockers are believed to cause memory issues by interfering with norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are both key chemical messengers in the brain. These anticholinergics may cause memory loss because they block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved with many functions in the body.

What is the best test for memory loss?

The steps listed below are the common steps a person will go through when being evaluated for memory loss, behavioral disorders and other related problems.
  • Neurological Exam & History. ...
  • Neuropsychological Testing. ...
  • Laboratory Tests. ...
  • Neuroimaging. ...
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Exam. ...
  • EEG.


What helps improve memory?

14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Memory
  • Eat less added sugar. ...
  • Try a fish oil supplement. ...
  • 3. Make time for meditation. ...
  • Maintain a moderate weight. ...
  • Get enough sleep. ...
  • Practice mindfulness. ...
  • Drink alcohol in moderation. ...
  • Train your brain.


Can the brain recover from memory loss?

While there is no specific or instant 'cure' for memory problems, recovery can naturally occur as the brain heals over time.

What is the 5 word memory test?

Introduction: The five-word test (5WT) is a serial verbal memory test with semantic cuing. It is proposed to rapidly evaluate memory of aging people and has previously shown its sensitivity and its specificity in identifying patients with AD.


What vitamin should I take to help with memory?

  • Vitamin B12 is crucial for memory, so if you're deficient in it you could experience forgetfulness.
  • A vitamin D deficiency could also put you at risk for memory-impairing conditions like Alzheimers.
  • It's also important to make sure you're getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.


What vitamin is good for helping with memory?

Getting enough vitamin B12 may give you more energy, improve memory, and make learning new things easier. It also has been shown to help improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms.

Can vitamin D cause memory issues?

Quite possibly. Low vitamin D levels have been identified as risk factors for many health issues, including brain-related concerns such as memory decline, dementia and Alzheimer's.


What is the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?

Age-related memory loss and dementia are very different conditions, though they may share some overlap in symptoms. However, normal forgetfulness is often caused by lack of focus and it never progresses into serious territory. Dementia, on the other hand, will get worse over time.

Why can't I get my words out sometimes?

Feeling Tired or Stressed. Simply being tired or fatigued can make it hard to think of the right words. And when you're worried about being judged by others or feel embarrassed, you may freeze up or struggle to talk.