Do you occasionally have one of those ?senior moments? where you walk into a room and then totally blank out on why you went in there, or scramble mentally to remember the name of a person to whom you were just introduced? These small memory lapses happen to everyone ? they are simply part of the brain's constant efforts to sort out, prioritize and file away the information it is constantly receiving.

Minor forgetfulness is a normal part of getting older and generally does not affect your life in any significant way. On the other hand, if lapses in memory start to get in the way of your ability to function normally, there may be some cause for concern. Getting lost in a familiar place or repeating the same sentence several times in a single conversation should raise a red flag signaling that there may be a more serious problem.

However, if you believe you are experiencing significant memory loss, you should not automatically assume that you are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Memory is a complex process involving many different areas of the brain, and there are many different causes of memory loss. Most of these are treatable, and even reversible. It is important to remember that in large part, maintaining healthy brain function is under your own control.

Memory loss can be caused by any of the following conditions:

* Stress, Depression, Anxiety

These common psychological disorders may damage the neural pathways in the affected areas of the

brain, leading to confusion and a decreased ability to concentrate.

* Stroke

Stroke can cause damage to many different areas of the brain, affecting the ability to process and recall

memories.

* Head Injuries

Concussion and other head injuries can cause temporary memory loss.

* Impaired Thyroid Function

Hypo- and hyperthyroidism create hormonal imbalances which may affect memory.

* Medications

Certain medications can cause dementia-like symptoms. Even some topical analgesics used for arthritis pain

can cause memory lapses if the liver is not functioning properly and cannot flush these chemicals out of the

body quickly enough.

* Environmental Toxins

Carbon monoxide, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides, and even the chemicals in certain

hobby items can interfere with memory and concentration.

* Menopause

The hormonal changes which occur during menopause can create temporary disconnects in memory recall.

* Dietary Deficiencies

Insufficient levels of the vitamins B1 and B12 may impair cognitive ability.

* Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Drug Use

Alcohol and recreational drugs deplete vitamin B1 levels, affecting cognition and memory.

* Natural Aging

Aging can cause brain function to slow down somewhat. Simply taking a bit longer to call up a memory may

be misinterpreted as memory loss.

* Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

MCI may be diagnosed when memory loss moves beyond minor gaffs to more significant lapses like forgetting

the names of your grandkids or getting lost in a familiar location. MCI can be a precursor of Azheimer's

disease, but it does not always lead to dementia. While it can be frightening and sometimes disruptive, most

seniors with MCI are able to live more-or-less normal lives.

* Alzheimer's Disease

AD is the most common form of dementia. It is degenerative disease caused by the formation of protein

deposits in the brain.

* Other Types of Dementia

Senile dementia can have numerous causes, but the results are generally similar. Patients tend to display

inappropriate social behavior, emotional disturbance, loss of communication skills, and a deteriorating ability

to make judgments. Dementia can result from vascular blockages, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's

disease.

Now for the good news. Amidst all these threats to long-term mental agility, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your cognition and retain your memory skills into your later years. The benefits of these exercises are enormous, both for your mental and your physical well-being.

* Detox

A detoxification program is highly effective in flushing toxins from the body and improving liver function,

ensuring that the body can continue to cleanse itself of harmful chemicals.

* Memory exercises - crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, writing, and specifically designed memory games all

help to keep neural pathways humming along.

* Exercise is vital for a healthy mind and body. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and

reduces the risk of memory loss.

* Diets rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh organic fruits and vegetables give you the nutrients you

need while avoiding toxins from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

* Memory supplements are very useful in enhancing memory, even reversing memory loss in many cases.

Some effective memory supplements:

- Gingko Biloba;

- Ginseng;

- Acetyl-L-carnitine;

- Omega-3 fatty acids;

- Vinpocetine, from the periwinkle plant;

- Huperzine A (Chinese club moss);

- Phosphatyl choline, found in egg yolks and soy;

- Pirecetam, a synthetic memory enhancer.

By taking control now, you are giving yourself every chance at a healthy, fulfilling life. No matter what your age, you will benefit from some simple lifestyle choices and memory enhancing techniques.