Memory loss can be caused by different factors such as trauma, aging or illness. Nutrition can even play a part. Potassium is an essential mineral for the body and mind. It plays a large role in all cells, nerves, tissues and organs. Nutrition, especially potassium, can help the brain protect cells and increase nerve signals important for memory.
Brain
Memory involves electrical signals in the entire brain; it does not occur in one specific area. The electrical signals in the brain trigger a release of chemicals across gaps called synapses allowing nerve cells to communicate with one another, according to "How Memory Works." The chemical changes make it easier for the signals to pass from one cell to the other. A short-term memory is created when only a few signals are sent while a long-term memory is produced if the signals keep coming.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is unusual forgetfulness. Sometimes referred to as amnesia, it can be temporary or permanent. The memory loss may revolve around one instance, the recent or the distant past. It can happen suddenly or come on gradually, be a partial or total loss. Memory loss can be as complex as the brain itself; it may be only words or thoughts or motor skills, where the body can no longer perform a certain action, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte in the body that helps conduct electricity. About 95 percent of it is stored in the cells and plays an important part in nerve transmission. The degree to which nerves fire depends heavily on the presence of potassium in the correct amount, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. All normal body functions rely on the delicate balance of potassium inside and outside the cells.
Significance
A 1994 study targeting Alzheimer's disease and a substance called beta amyloid may lead to an explanation of memory loss. Beta amyloid on normal skin cells was found to exhibit the same type of molecular dysfunction shown in the skin cells of Alzheimer's patients, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The beta amyloid substance produced changes in the potassium channel function of normal skin cells. It has been demonstrated in Alzheimer's patients that defects upset the cell's ability to properly regulate potassium and calcium ions. Scientists were able to conclude that beta amyloid, a key to memory loss, selectively targets and destroys potassium channels.
Considerations
Since memory loss can have many causes, it is best to contact your doctor if you are experiencing trouble remembering. There are varying treatments for the different types of memory loss and your doctor can help find the right one for you. Excess potassium can cause weakness, tingling in the hands or feet and possible paralysis if the kidneys cannot eliminate it fast enough, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Clues Found for Early Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
- PBS: NOVA: How Memory Works
- Medline Plus: Memory loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Potassium
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Potassium
