You might experience memory loss, or amnesia, due to many reasons. Dietary deficiencies that lead to anemia and malnutrition can lead to confusion and a loss of memory of recent and past events, ideas and names. Your concentration may also be affected. Mental disorders such as depression can make malnutrition difficult to diagnose.
Appetite
A loss of appetite can lead to insufficient nutrition and disease. Depression and lack of proper care are major contributors to loss of appetite and malnutrition, especially in seniors, according to Assisted Living Facilities.org. Physical side effects usually occur in the early stages of malnutrition and can include dullness or yellowing of the skin, pronounced wrinkles, and pale fingernails. Your eyes may become glassy or red and puffy. Confusion, memory loss, disorientation and irritability follow closely behind the physical symptoms when you are malnourished. Caregivers need to find ways to encourage seniors to eat despite a lack of appetite to avoid memory loss.
Niacin
Niacin is vital for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. When you are malnourished and have low niacin levels, you may first experience fatigue and apathy from the loss of energy. Physical symptoms of low niacin levels may start with a red rash on your feet, hands, legs or neck. Your mouth and tongue may turn bright red. You most likely will have trouble sleeping and develop digestive problems. Confusion and memory loss follow. While niacin supplements may help, tryptophan found in milk and dairy products can provide sufficient niacin in your body to alleviate the memory loss.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to memory loss, according to MedlinePlus. The water-soluble nutrient is vital for normal brain function and maintaining a healthy central nervous system. When the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 sufficiently, you may develop pernicious anemia. A compromised immune system or a weakened stomach lining may cause a form of malnutrition. In addition to anemia and memory loss, low B12 levels can lead to loss of balance and tingling in your arms or legs. The most effective food sources of vitamin B12 are milk, eggs, meat and poultry.
Hypothermia
When your body loses heat and your core temperature falls below 95 F, you may undergo hypothermia. While most cases of hypothermia occur when you are exposed to extremely cold temperatures or wind chill factors, when you are malnourished, your body's temperature controls also stop working. Memory loss and confusion are common side effects of hypothermia. Other side effects include fatigue, loss of coordination, slurred speech and slow breathing. You should avoid cold environments if you are severely underweight and malnourished to prevent hypothermia.
