Memory Loss Resulting from Menopause

There is the normal loss of memory that occurs with aging and then there is a kind of memory loss, forgetfulness, fuzzy thinking, problems in concentration and learning new things, trouble finding the right words that comes as a side effect of the process of menopause. This can be very scary indeed, leading some to think (erroneously) that this is the early onset of dementia or that most dreaded of diseases, Alzheimer's.

However there is no reason to panic if the memory loss is occurring along with other menopausal symptoms; it is most likely a temporary phase. Studies have shown that Women going through the menopause suffer from temporary loss of memory and learning ability. This can be disconcerting for the women, but not an awful lot to worry about.

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Alcohol and Dementia

It is well known that alcohol abuse or alcoholism has many negative effects on a person’s life, which can be physical and mental as well as social in nature. According to wiki the ill effects to physical health associated with alcohol consumption may include cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, epilepsy, polyneuropathy, heart disease, increased chance of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and death from many sources.

Among the detrimental effects of alcohol on brain function and thus psychological well being are conditions such as anxiety and depression disorders, with as many as 25% of alcoholics presenting with severe psychiatric disturbances. Chronic alcohol misuse can also cause panic disorder to develop or worsen. There can also be very serious social repercussions of alcoholism, a person’s interpersonal relationships, and professional abilities can also be impaired due to alcohol dependence. Marital conflict, domestic violence and divorce can all be the negative effects of alcoholism.

While it is well known that alcohol abuse kills brain cells now there is increased evidence that binge drinking increases the risk of dementia.

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Alzheimer's and Diabetes: The connection

For the past some years now, the link between diabetes or blood sugar and Alzheimer’s has been studied. In 2004, the BBC reported news of a study that demonstrated how having diabetes can increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 65%. According to the article, tests showed that speed of perception - being able to tell whether two things are the same or different - declined faster in diabetics than in healthy patients, by around 44%.

Recently as well, there has been much in the news to substantiate the premise that diabetes and dementia are linked. This CBS news article talks about how diabetes increases the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and may speed dementia once it strikes. The article talks about how the damage may start before someone is diagnosed with full-blown diabetes, back when the body is gradually losing its ability to regulate blood sugar.

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Alcohol Related Memory Loss

I have experienced close at hand the negative effects that alcohol abuse can have on an individual, which I have talked about before. Alcohol related memory loss is not just about getting tanked in the bar tonight and not remembering a thing the next morning. Long term use of alcohol in larger quantities can have several undesirable repercussions such as damage to the liver etc. but also among them, memory loss. The effects that alcohol intoxication can have on cognitive function are not so well known. In short big drinkers are at increased risk of for memory loss and dementia.

As reported here, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. When the researchers compared data from 373 people with dementia (age 65 and older) and

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