Memory Lapses

For many women going through menopause, memory lapses can bring the most concern of any menopausal symptom. They can lead women to believe their minds are receding into a fog of mental illness. There are many misunderstandings about memory lapses as they relate to menopause, which will be cleared up in this section. Continue reading to learn what memory lapses are, what causes them, and the treatment options available.

Memory Lapses	About Memory Lapses Definition Webster´s Dictionary defines memory as "the mental capacity or faculty of retaining or recalling facts, events, impressions or previous experiences". Memory lapses, then, are fleeting periods when a person loses the mental capacity or faculty of retaining or recalling information. Two types of memory are affected in women who experience memory lapses: short-term memory and recent memory. Women who suffer from memory lapses typically report that they have “brain freeze” when trying to remember where they left their reading glasses. Recollections of names, dates, and addresses can also evade a woman experiencing memory lapses during menopause, especially when she just received that information.
Memory Lapses Overview About Memory Lapses Definition Types and functions Memory lapses and menopause Symptoms Causes of Memory Lapses Hormonal Risk Factors Other causes When to see a doctor Treatments for Memory Lapses

Types of Memory

Memory is often simplified into only two categories: short- and long-term memory. In fact, there are several types that comprise the extremely complex function of a person´s memory. The different types of memory shown below will give a better idea of the different functions memory serves.

Short-term memory	The ability to remember information for brief moments, such as a telephone number for the time it takes to dial it.
Recent memory	The ability to recall day to day events, involved in learning new information.
Sensory memory	The ability to recognize smells, sounds, and sights.
Long-term memory	Also known as remote memory, concerns itself with the more distant past.
Declarative memory	The ability to remember the meaning of words, facts, and a generalized knowledge of the world.
Procedural memory	The ability to remember motor skills - knowing how to do things - such as how to walk, ride a bike and eat.

Symptoms of Memory Lapses

The primary symptom of memory lapses is the inability to recall information at will; but, there are other secondary symptoms of memory lapses as well. • Trouble concentrating. • Forgetting a recent event and remembering it later. • "Fuzzy" thinking. Once a woman is able to recognize that she is having memory lapses, it can be extremely useful to learn about how and why they happen.

Click the following link to learn more about memory lapses, or continue reading on to learn more about the various causes of this aggravating symptom.

Causes of Memory Lapses

Hormonal Causes

Several factors can collaborate to create memory lapses in women going through menopause. But like many other menopausal symptoms, memory lapses are caused largely by hormonal imbalance. Memory lapses can also be a compound of other menopausal symptoms that affect a woman´s concentration level and mental retention. Certain risk factors or lifestyle choices may increase women´s chances of experiencing memory lapses as well.

When To See a Doctor

If a woman is experiencing severe memory lapses, where she finds it difficult to recall information she´s known for years and routinely used, she should consult a doctor to be checked for the following illnesses associated with memory lapses:

• Alzheimer´s disease.
• Infections of the brain such as encephalitis or meningitis.
• Head trauma.
• Stroke.
• Multi-infarct dementia.
• Cancer.
• Attention Deficit Disorder

Fortunately, at whatever level a woman is experiencing memory lapses, there are solutions.

Click the following link to learn more about the causes of memory lapses during menopause, or continue reading below to learn more about the treatment options.

Memory Lapses Treatment

Fortunately, most of the times memory lapses are not a condition that a woman must live with permanently; treatments are available. It is recommended to begin with the least invasive method and progress up to more drastic treatments if the symptom remains unaffected.

Lifestyle changes: that can be implemented into a woman´s life, such as dietary adjustments or a different exercise program. A balanced diet including additions such as omega-3 acids can help the ability to concentrate.

In addition, a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are important in order to obtain memory-boosting antioxidants and the vitamins B, C, D and E; all important for proper mental function. Mental exercises and games, such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or memory, have been shown to improve memory. Exercise and proper sleep also go a long way.

Alternative Medicine: However, as the primary cause of memory lapses in menopausal women is the natural decline in estrogen that is typical of this age group, the most logical method of defeating this symptom is to address the fundamental hormonal imbalance. Natural supplements can be an easy, safe and effective treatment option.

Surgical or pharmaceutical: There is a third, most drastic option if the recommended combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies are not effective enough. Surgical or pharmaceutical options to treat memory lapses exist, though these carry a higher risk of side effects. There are a host of drugs that claim to cure memory problems. If memory lapses are at the level of severity that a woman is still considering this final option, it is wise to speak with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Click the following link to learn more specifics about the treatments for memory lapses, which begin with lifestyle changes, move onto alternative medicines, and finally, if those options don´t seem to help, drugs and surgery.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.