Memory loss can be caused by a variety of things, but when you are dealing with memory loss caused by a stroke, you may have a more serious issue to attend to.
According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in Americans and can cause adult disabilities such as dementia. Strokes can be avoidable–they are typically caused by high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Other dietary causes may be salt intake and high fat intake. Smoking can also increase your risk for a stroke.
Strokes occur when an artery in your brain is blocked by a blood clot. This causes an interruption in the blood flow to the brain and causes brain damage by causing brain cells to begin dying off. This, in turn, can affect numerous portions of your brain and your physical abilities, depending on the source of the blood clot in the brain. Your memory, speech, or physical movements may be affected.
Strokes vary from person to person, but even small, less severe strokes, which can go unnoticed, can cause memory loss. Memory loss is typically a sign of a less severe stroke. It can sometimes be the first major symptom that friends and family members pick up on.
Eighty percent of strokes are preventable, so by living a healthy lifestyle and by eating a low fat, low sodium diet, you can help increase your chances of avoiding a stroke. By monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol, you can take the steps to prevent strokes and protect yourself from any permanent damage that may result from one.