The struggle is real. Many adults experience mental fatigue and memory loss, but never feel old enough to have those problems. Why then are so many young adults starting to suffer from mental fatigue and memory loss? There are more reasons than old age that contribute to these problems. And contrary to popular belief, these neurological challenges are not just problematic in the elderly. It might start small with forgetting where your keys are, but then can ultimately lead to bigger issues if you don’t take care of the underlying problem. There are some important things you should know about mental fatigue and memory loss that might help you get back some of your cognitive abilities.
Alcohol Use Can Lead to Permanent Memory Loss
This is a big one. Alcohol use and abuse are very important factors when it comes to memory loss, mental fatigue, and cognitive decline. What most people don’t know is that not only are alcoholics prone to making poor choices, but they can also suffer from serious memory loss that’s not always reversible. This mental condition is called wet brain.
Wet brain is caused by a vitamin deficiency that is prominent in alcoholics. People with a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine) are prone to many different symptoms that can range from some confusion and memory problems, all the way to visual changes, and permanent brain damage. This damage is most likely to occur in people who have been consuming large amounts of alcohol for an extended period. In the early stages, wet brain is 100% reversible when patients are given adequate B1, and they quit drinking alcohol.
Adrenal Fatigue is a Real Thing
Another cause of mental fatigue and memory loss is adrenal fatigue. You have glands in your body, called the adrenal glands that help to regulate cortisol levels and other sex hormones. These hormones are important for a variety of functions. When cortisol levels are too high for too long due to stressful situations, the body starts to get tired and can’t make enough to keep up. The adrenals get fatigued. When this happens, you can experience memory loss, sexual dysfunction, early menopause, forgetfulness, exhaustion, and more.
People with adrenal fatigue don’t often realize that high stress for too long combined with caffeine and other stimulants can lead to dysfunction.
Poor Boundaries Can Create Mental Fatigue
Are you the type of person who can’t say no? So, you find yourself running from one thing to another without a break? This type of behavior can lead to mental fatigue and eventually it’ll catch up with you. It’s important to learn when to say yes to things and when to politely decline. By always saying yes, you don’t give yourself time to rest or breathe. A lack of boundaries in this way can cause you to develop mental exhaustion that makes it difficult for you to focus and do the things that matter the most.
Dietary Intolerances Can Impact Memory and Cognition
Another often overlooked cause of memory loss and cognitive decline is the foods you eat. The gut-brain connection is just beginning to be explored. This means that when your gut is unhealthy, your brain suffers as well. People with IBS and Celiac disease often experience brain fog. When they are able to remove the offending foods, their memory, cognition, and mental acuity all improve. This means that a person with Celiac disease who completely eliminates gluten would have better mental energy and memory than they did before.
Sleep Deprivation Influences Memory and Mental Energy
If you’re not sleeping well, your memory and energy levels will definitely be influenced. Poor sleep habits are a sneaky culprit when it comes to memory loss and mental energy. Sleeping well may require you to change your habits or seek help for a medical condition that’s making it challenging to sleep. Start by setting a bedtime for yourself. This will keep your internal clock on a schedule. Next, turn off TVs smartphones, tablets, etc. an hour before bed. The blue light from these devices makes it difficult to fall asleep. Consider removing caffeine from your diet or only having a little in the morning. Anything you can do to improve your sleep quality will help you improve your memory and mental energy.
