Long-Term Memory Loss: 5 Proven Ways to Stop It

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Worried that you might be suffering long-term memory loss?

See if you can relate to a scenario like this:

I have come to this area a hundred times before.

Yet, I’m lost in this maze of streets now.

Where’s my schoolmate’s house?

Wait, schoolmate, or was she my colleague at work?

If an inner voice like that sounds familiar, it could indeed be your long-term memory acting up.

The question is, what causes long-term memory loss? What are its symptoms? And, how do you treat or prevent it?

In this article, I’m drawing upon my fifteen years experience as a memory improvement teacher to help you understand and avoid long-term memory loss.

You’ll discover how to identify it, and get proper treatment if needed.

I’ll also show you a powerful, “magnetic” way to improve your memory so it stays intact even as you age.

Better than that, I’ll show you some simple memory exercise routines I practice myself to keep sharp as I approach my fifties.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

• What is Long-Term Memory?
• What is Long-Term Memory Loss?
• Symptoms of Long-Term Memory Loss
• What Causes Long-Term Memory Loss?
• How is Long-Term Memory Loss Diagnosed?
• How to Treat Long-Term Memory Loss
• 5 Ways to Boost Memory and Prevent Long-Term Memory Loss

Let’s start with a quick look at long-term memory. Definitions are important because often people don’t stop to consider exactly what this type of memory really is.

What is Long-Term Memory?

Long-term memory is how your brain encodes and remembers events, facts, and how to do things.

For example, if you can remember your high school teacher’s name or the route to the house you stayed in 20 years ago, that’s information stored in your long-term memory.

How is it different from short-term memory?

Short-term memory (or working memory) is how your brain stores things temporarily. Examples include a grocery list, or what you had for lunch earlier today.

How do short-term memories wind up in long-term memory?

Usually through some kind of repetition or process of learning that leads to what memory scientists call “consolidation.’

In other words, the more you deliberately recall memories, the better they get consolidated into permanent, long-term memories.

So, how are these memories stored in the brain?

Assuming your brain is free from any memory disorders, short-term memory activates your prefrontal cortex, frontal lobe, and the parietal lobe of your brain.

The hippocampus brain region is responsible for the consolidation of info from short-term to long-term memory.

And, your long-term memory is associated with the prefrontal cortex, cerebrum, frontal lobe, and medial temporal lobe.

Types of Long-Term Memory

I mentioned the recall of a teacher’s name or a street address. Those two details are actually a kind of information called “semantic.”

Overall, your brain stores many types of long-term memories, not just semantic memory.

You also store episodic memory, procedural memory, implicit memory (non-declarative memory), and explicit memory (declarative memory).

For example, if your teacher’s name is a semantic memory, remembering the time your teacher gave you an A+ is an episodic memory. It is literally an episode from your life.

Your ability to effortlessly jot out the alphabet with a pen or pencil? The same teacher may have given you the skill, but it’s a procedural memory that helps you remember how to recreate your semantic memory of what letters the alphabet contains.

Fascinating, isn’t it?

Yes, and these differences in the various types of memory and kinds of information really matter. That’s because they make the deep-dive into all things related to long-term memory loss we’re about to discuss much more valuable.

Let’s dig in.

What is Long-Term Memory Loss?

When you find it difficult to remember any of the information types we just discussed, provided that you learned it in the past, we call the failure to retrieve these details or skills long-term memory loss.

Is long-term memory loss the same as dementia?

No. Long-term memory impairment isn’t the same as dementia. Not even close.

However, it can be a sign of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an umbrella term for “diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills.”

Alzheimer’s disease specifically is a kind of cognitive impairment that progressively destroys your episodic memory, thinking abilities, and the ability to do even simple tasks like writing.

Around 10% of Americans above 65 years of age are said to have Alzheimer’s disease. And Alzheimer’s disease happens to be the most common cause of dementia.

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect long-term memory?

The first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is short-term memory impairment. Long-term memory impairment follows, along with other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

So even though you’re probably not suffering any kind of dementia if you can read this page, if your memory is currently affecting your ability to perform daily chores, it’s worth checking things out with a doctor.

Doing so is critically important because many people diagnose themselves. But as we’ve seen there are different kinds of information and various brain problems influence them differently.

Different types of dementia

That’s why it’s important to understand the many types of dementia. Beyond Alzheimer’s, these varieties include:

Lewy body dementia: This is an umbrella term for Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia — both characterized by abnormal deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein in the brain.

It usually sets in after the age of 50. Dementia symptoms are episodic loss of long-term memory, movement problems, and decision-making difficulties.

Frontotemporal dementia: This dementia is caused by progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobe of the brain. It usually starts with behavior changes, and could eventually lead to severe memory impairment.

Vascular dementia: This is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to stroke or any other vascular brain damage. It causes progressive memory impairment and affects your attention and problem-solving abilities.

Remember, while memory impairment is a symptom of dementia, having long-term memory impairment doesn’t always mean you have dementia.

Also, note that dementia is often confused with cognitive impairment conditions like amnesia. One way that professionals test to make sure the diagnosis is correct is to have the patient play games that help identify dementia.

People with amnesia find it tough to form new memories. Others are unable to recall facts or past experiences. The two main types of amnesia are anterograde amnesia (characterized by short-term memory loss), and retrograde amnesia (inability to recall long-term memories that happened before developing amnesia).

So, is long-term memory loss different from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the intermediate stage between normal age-related memory difficulties and dementia.

People diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment have significant short-term memory impairment. But, for some people, it will eventually progress to severe long-term memory impairment and even dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.

How is long-term memory loss different from short term memory loss?

You’d be able to remember incidents from 15 years ago when you experience short-term memory loss, but you’d forget details of what happened 15 minutes ago.

Tests for short-term memory impairment

Your doctor will probably start with a medical history. This initial investigation may be followed by cognitive function tests, blood tests, MRI or CT scans, or cerebral angiography.

Please don’t try and test yourself.

As I discuss in my books on learning tutorial, there’s something the brain does called predictive processing.

If you determine on your own that you have short-term memory loss when you actually don’t, this process can cause you to create problems you don’t actually have.

Or it can make a mild memory impairment worse because you start focusing on it in a negative manner, rather than in a positive and preventative way.

How do you prevent short-term memory loss?

The simplest way to prevent short-term memory impairment is to combine plenty of physical fitness with a good diet, sleep and various memory games, crossword puzzles, or sudoku.

I also suggest spending time with activities like the neurobic exercises I share in this video tutorial:

By exercising your eyes, ears and your mind at the same time, your memory gets a full workout that transfers to other types of learning and memory tasks.

Please don’t skip this kind of activity. Get in at least a little practice daily, everything from juggling, writing with your non-dominant hand and memorizing playing cards.

You won’t regret it.

Now, let’s look at the ways long-term cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself.

Symptoms of Long-Term Memory Loss

The main symptom of long-term memory impairment is forgetfulness of important things or events that happened earlier in your life.

Here are some examples:

• Forgetting the name of the countries you’ve lived in
• Mixing up names of people and words
• Forgetfulness of common words
• Losing your way in familiar places
• Confusion about time and dates
• Repeating the same questions or personal stories frequently
• Difficulty following instructions
• Irritability and other mood changes

All of these signs and symptoms should be reviewed with a doctor.

Checking in with a medical professional is important because early intervention makes a big difference when it comes to long-term brain health.

You’ll also enjoy better piece of mind merely by taking steps to educate yourself with qualified help.

Now let’s look at some of the factors that might cause the symptoms we’ve just discussed.

What Causes Long-Term Memory Loss?

Long-term memory problems could occur due to several reasons:

• Anxiety and depression
• Side effects of prescription drugs
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Thyroid problems
• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Chemotherapy
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Brain tumor, encephalitis, stroke, epilepsy, transient ischemic attack, transient global amnesia
• Sleep apnea
• Kidney and liver disorders​
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

You may also wonder:

Does aging lead to memory loss?

Yes, your long-term memory can get weaker as you get older. So, occasional forgetfulness – or memory lapses like forgetting your new neighbor’s name – is normal.

This kind of forgetfulness is just a part of normal aging, and won’t affect your daily routines or the quality of your life.

But how do you know whether you should get medical help or not?

Let’s see.

When should you see a doctor?

Visit a doctor if:

• Your memory problems start affecting your day-to-day activities
• You had a head or brain injury
• You’re disoriented or experience delirium
• You have other symptoms like headaches, sluggishness, or vision problems

Why is it essential to diagnose long-term memory impairment?

Some people hide their memory problems due to fear of social rejection or family issues.

But, you should get any memory troubles diagnosed by a doctor, because in most cases it can be treated partially or entirely.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will help you sensitize yourself and loved ones about the illness, get proper care at home or at a facility, and get support from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association.

So, how can it be diagnosed and treated?

How is Long-Term Memory Impairment Diagnosed?

To evaluate long-term memory problems, doctors typically perform the following steps:

• Medical history, including your family history, and any medications you take.
• Physical exam to check for symptoms like muscle weakness.
• Neurologic exam and questions to check for signs of cognitive impairment. (For example, basic calculations, naming common items, and writing short sentences.)

Depending on the results, your doctor would prescribe some or all of the following:

• A blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies
• Urine tests
• Nerve tests
• Brain imaging tests like computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Neuropsychological testing to find the exact reason for memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease

A holistic examination and the results of these tests will help your doctor make a correct diagnosis.

Based on the diagnosis, your doctor might refer you to a geriatrician, neurologist, or psychiatrist to medically manage the condition. Or they may refer you to a psychologist to help you cope with memory problems.

How to treat long-term memory impairment

The treatment of long-term memory impairment will depend on the underlying reason for your mental condition.

For instance, if cognitive impairment is due to vitamin B12 deficiency, the doctor could prescribe vitamin B12 injections. Or, if the underlying cause of your forgetfulness was a brain tumor, then you’ll need surgery to remove the tumor.

But, think about this:

Wouldn’t it be better if you could prevent memory problems instead of seeking treatment after it reaches advanced stages like Alzheimer’s disease?

I’ll show you how to do it.

5 Stimulating Ways to Boost Memory and Prevent Long-Term Memory Loss

These simple yet powerful activities will help you boost your mental function.

They work by strengthening connections between your nerves, helping compensate for any cognitive impairment due to changes in your brain.

1. Build Memory Palaces Using the Magnetic Memory Method

Building Memory Palaces is one of the easiest and most powerful mnemonic techniques to improve your long-term memory.

It allows you to develop your spatial memory while exercising your episodic memory, procedural memory, semantic memory, and more.

When combined with Recall Rehearsal, you’ll be able to move information into long-term memory faster — and with predictable and reliable permanence.

You can also use any other memory technique inside of Memory Palaces (but not the other way around).

Here’s how to use it:

Imagine you need to understand DNA sequencing techniques and be able to recall them later.

Mentally walk through a familiar place like your home or office. Place the facts related to one DNA technique in your entrance hall, all facts related to the next technique in your bedroom cupboard, and so on.

As for remembering complex DNA-related words, associate them with everyday words already in your memory — e.g., to remember Cytosine, associate it with cycle.

Later, take a mental walk through your home, and you’ll easily recall all the DNA techniques.

And, the more you recall (recall rehearsal), the better you’ll commit this information to your long-term memory.

2. Do Regular Exercise

Regular physical workouts are proven to enhance the development of new brain cells in the brain. Exercise lowers the risk of age-related brain impairment and protects the brain against degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

In a study, a few participants were subject to MRI scans and a series of cognitive tests before and after a physical workout over a period of 12 weeks.

Researchers found that those who exercise regularly could remember things long after the workout was over.

So, set aside at least 30 minutes of your day to walk briskly, run, dance, or cross-country bike.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Consume a nutrient-rich, healthy diet to strengthen your long-term brain function.

Some of the best brain-boosting foods are:

• Fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel)
• Turmeric
• Dark chocolate
• Berries like strawberries and blueberries
• Nuts and seeds like sunflower seeds and almonds
• Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
• Eggs
• Vegetables like broccoli and kale
• Green tea

Also, stay away from a high-calorie diet. Research shows that a high-calorie diet can impair memory if it causes inflammation in certain parts of the brain. In a 2009 study, women above the age of 60 who reduced their calorie intake by 30% showed significant improvement in their verbal memory scores.

4. Learn a New Skill

A study showed that older people who learned a new skill showed a significant improvement in memory even when tested a year later.

A seemingly simple activity like knitting is a complex one for someone new to it. So learning it from scratch will boost your brain by strengthening the connections between various parts.

You could try to learn anything unfamiliar to you — digital photography, speaking a foreign language, playing a musical instrument, or even how to fix a motorbike.

There’s also the power of relearning skills you’ve lost.

Technically, this problem is called deskilling, something I’ve gone through personally with both languages I’ve learned and skills like driving.

To explore how I re-learned those lost skills, check out this video tutorial where I take you out on the road with me for a drive here in Australia:

5. Explore Targeted Strategies For Older Adults to Manage Memory Impairment

Again is a challenge, no doubt about it.

When I was younger, I thought I would be fine. But as I’m approaching my fifties, I’m starting to accelerate my use of these memory strategies for coping with forgetfulness and better preventing memory decline, including stopping Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks:

• Get enough sleep
• Make shopping lists and memorize them using this list memorization technique
• Keep a detailed calendar for the week
• Play board games and card games regularly
• Pay focused attention to one thing at a time
• Keep all your things organized, like car keys and stationery
• Regularly spend time learning new languages
• Use external memory aids like Zettelkasten
• Stay socially active and maintain meeting new people as a regular routine

I know that all of these activities can sound like a lot.

In fact, some people suffering long-term memory loss will likely find so many suggestions a bit overwhelming.

The best thing is to pick just one or two things and take action.

Choosing something over nothing is key because it will promote stress reduction. Since we know that stress itself can cause memory loss, just by picking one or two activities, you stand a chance to enjoy a memory boost.

Take Control Of Your Memory Lifestyle

Your long-term memory is bound to decline with age and due to several other factors.

But memory loss doesn’t have to take over your life. And long-term memory impairment is often preventable.

If you’ve already got it, it’s certainly manageable. In many cases, such as with my student Matt Barclay, it’s reversible. He literally went through cardiac arrest, lost his memory and did everything we discussed above. In short order, he was able to recite a Psalm from the Bible in front of his congregation along with getting his memory back.

It’s success stories like his that make me so passionate about teaching the Magnetic Memory Method.

It’s an approach that taps into your brain’s natural ability to store and retrieve information.

And you can grab your free copy of the training now:

Enjoy taking your first step towards strengthening all aspects of your memory today.

Remember:

You don’t have to wait for forgetfulness to become frustrating.

You can start strengthening your memory today and safeguard your wisdom, your stories and your skills.

They’re what make life meaningful, so power to your progress and I can’t wait to hear your memory improvement story soon.