Temporary Memory Lapse and Treatment

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been known to have a good memory but offlate I forget things...especially names....I enter a room to do something but forget it...plan things to do and dont remember anything i planned....I have migraine (past five years) problem but no eye defects. I get migraine when i get tensed up or shout. Is it a cause to worry. Kindly help

Dear Kalyani: I do understand your concern. Although the normal aging process can result in difficulty in retaining new material, normal aging itself is not a cause of significant memory loss unless there is accompanying disease that is responsible for the memory loss. However in  your case you have mentioned that you suffer from migraines and increased anxiety, which would probably explain your problem with retaining certain information. I would definitely advise certain lifestyle modifications to relieve the stress and headaches. Stress management could include a reappraisal of work, domestic responsibilities and priorities. A healthy balanced diet, de-stressing through exercise, yoga and meditation and music can help. If you continue to experience symptoms of memory loss, I would consider consulting your doctor to rule out any underlying chronic medical and psychological conditions, trauma, medications and infections.