It turns out that this is possible, experts explain. Adding that the sudden loss of consciousness and memory in old age are extremely alarming symptoms and should not be ignored. In such a situation, it is mandatory to urgently consult a neurologist first. Thus, diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, etc. will be ruled out.
It is also mandatory to consult a cardiologist, who in turn will detect possible heart diseases. In this case, it could be atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis, which leads to heart rhythm disturbances.
And, as has already become clear, stress and depression can also be the cause of memory loss. Specialists explain the mechanism of memory impairment under severe stress. In this case, the loss of memory due to a psycho-traumatic event is more protective in nature. One of the most severe options for stressful memory loss is considered the so-called dissociative fugue. It is characterized by a sudden but purposeful journey of the person who has experienced severe mental trauma to an unknown place.
After that, the victim completely forgets information about himself, even his name for this period, i.e., something like amnesia. But all other habits and the ability to remember new things are preserved.
Specialists consider the most complex cases of the so-called retrograde amnesia - partial or complete loss of memory regarding recent events.
It can develop after a brain injury; with a brain tumor and, of course, with severe stress, the mechanism of which experts explain with the same dissociative fugue.
By the way, memory disorders often occur because of the so-called asthenic syndrome or neurosis, which often accompany overfatigue and/or nervous tension in young, active, hard-working people. In this case, not so much the memory as the concentration of attention is disturbed. Increased excitability, irritability and insomnia are observed. You don't need to see a doctor. It is enough to normalize your regime of work and rest. In severe cases, however, a consultation with a psychiatrist may be necessary, who will prescribe neuroleptics, antidepressants.
Do some antivirals protect against dementia?
British doctors suggest using antiviral preparations to prevent dementia in patients suffering from herpes. The results of a recent study may change the approach to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Some time ago, collaborators from the University of Arizona discovered a specific connection between the herpes virus and Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of the brain tissue of already deceased patients showed that many of them had the 6th and 7th type virus.
Now their colleagues from the University of Manchester have analyzed three large-scale studies on herpes and dementia. They found that antiviral drugs and vaccination significantly reduced the risk of cognitive impairment. In the process of observations and research, the authors found that herpes sufferers are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. But they were most surprised by the fact that aggressive antiviral therapy cut the risk of dementia 10 times!
Doctors are advised to consider the fact that such antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir) is as suitable for elderly people at risk of dementia as for anyone else. Researchers hope a herpes vaccine will soon be available. And if this preparation is taken at a young age, many cases of dementia could be prevented.
