Stroke Signs and Risks
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How to Improve Your Memory
Some memory loss with age is normal. But you can take steps to keep your mind as sharp as possible.
How to Lower Your Risk of Dementia
Diet, exercise, sleep, trauma, social connections – they can all affect your risk for dementia. Learn what you can do.
Guide for a Healthy Brain
Our brain health experts outline several basic strategies that you can follow to keep your brain in top shape.
Ask an Expert
Catherine A. Madison, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
This past two years my brain seemed very foggy and I've had a lot of memory problems. Yet when I take pseudoephedrine for a sinus headache, it not only clears my sinuses, it causes me to be able to think very clearly and I have improved memory. Why?
Good question. Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of medicines that act as decongestants by constricting small blood vessels in the nasal passages. Thus, less inflammation and congestion as the sinus tissue set... continue reading about This past two years my brain seemed very foggy and I've had a lot of memory problems. Yet when I take pseudoephedrine for a sinus headache, it not only clears my sinuses, it causes me to be able to think very clearly and I have improved memory. Why?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Could the hormonal changes I'm experiencing during perimenopause be affecting my memory? I've heard a lot of references to "meno-fog."
Almost 2/3 of women complain of memory impairment during menopause and after childbirth when hormones are in flux. This "brain fog" is common and likely is influenced by estrogen. We do have estrogen receptors ... continue reading about Could the hormonal changes I'm experiencing during perimenopause be affecting my memory? I've heard a lot of references to "meno-fog."
Robert Telfer, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm concerned that my 75-year-old mother may be showing signs of early Alzheimer's. Can you tell me what I should look for and what steps we should take?
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages is often difficult, especially for a physician or healthcare provider who is unfamiliar with the patient. It is helpful to see the patient more than once... continue reading about I'm concerned that my 75-year-old mother may be showing signs of early Alzheimer's. Can you tell me what I should look for and what steps we should take?
Catherine A. Madison, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Memory loss or changes may have multiple causes or impersonators. What are some of them other than stress? Are early onset dementia symptoms recognizable by the person experiencing the symptoms?
Memory loss is something we can all experience. You are correct; it can be caused by stress when our attention is not well focused. Memory loss can also be contributed to by factors such as poor sleep, mood dis... continue reading about Memory loss or changes may have multiple causes or impersonators. What are some of them other than stress? Are early onset dementia symptoms recognizable by the person experiencing the symptoms?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
A brain tumor can present in many ways, depending on the size, location, and type of the brain tumor. Symptoms can include progressively worsening headaches or a new headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, new neu... continue reading about Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
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