STELLA T
Health experts have urged people to take memory loss seriously, emphasizing that it is a real medical condition that requires urgent medical attention. They warn that anyone experiencing persistent memory loss should seek immediate medical care.
This was revealed by the Rukungiri District Health Educator, Alban Natukunda, in an exclusive interview with our reporter.
He noted that amnesia is not just ordinary forgetfulness, but can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition such as a brain injury, stroke, infection, or a side effect of certain medications.
Alban added that memory loss can cause confusion and disorientation, and that a person with amnesia may fail to recognize their location or even realize the need to seek medical care.
He stressed that in some cases it may be Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) — a temporary form of amnesia that usually resolves on its own within 24 hours. However, he warned that even though it may be harmless, the sudden onset of memory loss must be medically evaluated to rule out serious conditions.
Alban explained that amnesia and related memory problems can be caused by deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate, excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding, as well as conditions that affect red blood cell production or survival. These include bone marrow problems, chronic illnesses, or inherited blood disorders.
He advised the public that because brain damage is a common cause of neurological amnesia, people should take preventive measures by protecting themselves from head injuries. He urged the public to always wear safety gear such as helmets when riding bicycles and seat belts while driving.
Alban further advised people to limit alcohol consumption, noting that long-term alcohol abuse is linked to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which can lead to memory loss and amnesia. He also encouraged the public to seek timely medical treatment for infections that could potentially spread to the brain.
He concluded by reminding people to properly manage health conditions that increase the risk of amnesia, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, sufficient sleep of 7–9 hours for most adults, and regular physical exercise to support brain health.
