Depending on the underlying cause, memory loss could be for a short time or may last longer, or even for a lifetime (in extremely rare cases). While there are some chances of developing short-term memory loss in teenagers, long-term memory loss is uncommon since it is caused by medical illnesses, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which usually affect the older population. This problem is common as we get older, but it may also be a problem among teens for many reasons (1) (2). Continue reading this post to know the various causes of short-term memory loss in adolescents and how to deal with them.
What Is Short-Term Memory Loss?
Skipping minor details is normal. But if your teenager is often having a hard time remembering recent events and important information, they may be dealing with what is called short-term memory loss. For example, if your child does not remember what they did during the day at school or if they often try hard to remember names or places they visit regularly, then they may be having short-term memory issues. Next, we list a few symptoms to help you know if the teen has a memory loss problem.
Symptoms Of Short-Term Memory Loss In Teens
Asking the same questions repeatedly Forgetting recent events and information Unable to recall information that they heard or shared recently Often misplacing things and spending time searching them Failing at school because they cannot recall what was taught
If such behavior is affecting your child’s day-to-day activities, or the child is lagging in school due to poor memory issues, you should find out the reasons behind it. Dana Hall, a licensed clinical professional counselor from Orland Park, Illinois, says, “It is normal to expect teens to lose focus and be forgetful at times. Keep in mind the average 15-year-old has about a 30-minute attention span. If your teens’ grades are falling, they are losing friends, and they struggle to stay on task, it may be time to consult your pediatrician.”
Possible Causes For Memory Loss In Teenagers
Causes for poor memory retention could vary from one teen to another. Some common causes are mentioned here. Other characteristics of slow learners include:
Lack of concentration Poor imagination Inability to express their ideas verbally Poor social skills
Note that slow learners need not always have mental disorders. They may just need more time than others to process and understand the concepts. With improved teaching techniques and extra attention from parents and teachers, memory issues could be resolved among slow learners (3). Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include:
Numbness and tingling feeling in hands and legs Anemia Weakness Fatigue Inflamed tongue (5)
Headache Dizziness Attention deficiency Depression and anxiety Loss of consciousness Nausea and vomiting (9)
Panic attacks Depression Attention deficiency Weight gain (10)
So, if your teenager is neglecting sleep and has short-term memory loss, then you may connect these two. Other symptoms of sleep deprivation include:
Yawning Fatigue Irritability Increased appetite Difficulty in concentration
Severe headaches Seizures Vomiting and dizziness Behavioral changes Speech problems Progressive paralysis of one side of the body (14).
A diagnosis by a medical practitioner is essential to determine the actual cause of memory loss in teenagers. Hall opines, “The prefrontal cortex, where executive functioning is housed, doesn’t fully develop until our early 20s. Add into the mix an influx of hormones during puberty that impacts mood, growth, and sleep, and we can see teen bodies are ripe with changes.”
Diagnosis Of Short-Term Memory Loss
Your child’s doctor would diagnose short-term memory loss through a series of examinations and tests. Initially, the doctor might ask questions related to
Any recent injuries or infections Sleep patterns General mental health Substance abuse Medications Diet and general lifestyle
Laboratory tests may be prescribed to detect any deficiencies or infections. A brain X-ray or CT scan might be done if the doctor sees the necessity. A few tests that check your child’s cognitive abilities could also give vital information about the cause of memory loss. Such tests include:
Simple spelling and math tasks Basic questions about the date, month, and year Tests that gauge the child’s problem-solving abilities Questions regarding recent events
Treatment For Short-Term Memory Loss
The treatment depends on the cause of memory loss, which your doctor would determine and prescribe based on the diagnosis.
Prescribing alternative medications that might have fewer side effects on the nervous system
Rehabilitation in the case of substance abuse
Surgery or chemotherapy for brain tumors
Counseling and behavioral therapies for depression and anxiety
Medications and supplements in the case of thyroid and vitamin B12 disturbances
Closely monitoring the head injury and surgery if necessary
Monitoring and limiting their screen time and smartphone usage
If the memory loss is due to poor concentration, you may try some remedies to improve your teen’s focus.
Home Remedies To Improve Memory In Teens
Following your doctor’s advice is the best treatment for short-term memory loss. If the underlying cause is treated, your child might get their normal memory capabilities back. To help your child during the treatment, you may consider trying a few home remedies to improve concentration. Studies stated that chewing gum leads to an increase in alertness and concentration, which could be the reason behind the better performance. However, this will not treat or address short term memory tasks (15). It may only enhance your child’s concentration.
Combined yoga exercises could help in improving the memory, which could increase the academic performance in teenagers. Meditation might help attain a higher level of concentration and consciousness. Breathing exercises might help in reducing stress and promote better mental health (16).
Encourage your child to practice yoga and meditation regularly, because the above results would be possible with consistent, long-term practice. Encourage your children to change the font of their study material and practice reading. You may also print instructions and directions in a difficult format so that it could help them remember better. Introduce the art of doodling and encourage them to follow it while reading or recalling information. However, remember to keep a cap on the amount of time they spend doing this (18). Encourage your children to laugh and be happy. Let them indulge in activities that can help them relax and have a good laugh.
Getting lost in well-known places Asking the same things repeatedly Feeling confused about things such as people or places Facing trouble following directions
