Chapter 7

Health Issues and Your Memory — The Relationship

The human body is a single entity containing many interrelated units. You need to preserve and maintain all these units to live a great life.

Many health issues directly or indirectly affect your memory, and if you really want a superb memory, you should do all that is within your reach to avoid falling sick or developing any disease.

Our body is like a house with many rooms, and what affects one room will definitely affect (directly or indirectly) other rooms. In this Chapter, we are going to be looking at some of the health problems that have been proven to have bad effects on the brain. The health problems mentioned in this chapter are not exhaustive, and we have only discussed the common diseases that have the tendencies to directly or indirectly affect your brain.

In addition, as much research works are carried out, it is very likely that the list of health problems that may affect your memory will grow in number. This is why the best way to protect your memory is to do everything that is within your reach to prevent yourself from falling sick. As much as you can, avoid developing any health problem, whether this problem can affect your brain or not. Always know that prevention is better than cure.

Our hope is that with the right knowledge, we will do everything within our reach to avoid health conditions that can predispose us to mental illness now or in the future.

Seven Health Conditions That Can Predispose You to Memory or Mental Problems and How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Getting Them

1. Head Trauma or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

According to the Indiana University School of Medicine, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a damage to the brain that can result from violent impact to a person’s head, such as a sudden blow.^[1]

Traumatic Brain Injury can be classified into two types: open head injury and closed head injury.

In an open head injury, the skull is broken, fractured, or penetrated, and the brain tissues are damaged in a localized manner. On the other hand, in a closed head injury, the skull is not broken or penetrated, but there is an impact of the brain against the skull, causing damage to the brain.^[2]

Both kinds of head trauma are serious and might lead to the development of mental problems.

The symptoms that might occur after sustaining head trauma usually depend on the type of injury (open or closed head) and the severity of the injury.

Symptoms can range from developing a headache, losing consciousness, or going into a coma, to loss of memory, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “in 2014, about 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States.” ^[3] This makes it a leading cause of death in the US.

Closed head injuries are more common, but not many people have adequate knowledge about them. This might be a reason why they are not often as reported as open head injuries. Nevertheless, some closed head injuries can be very severe enough to leave lasting symptoms in victims.

According to a 2013 Danish study, people who have suffered a TBI are four times more likely to develop a mental illness. ^[4] The study noted that people who have had a TBI are 65% more likely to develop schizophrenia, 59% more likely to develop depression, and 28% more likely to develop bipolar disorder.

Among health issues that might lead to mental problems, the chances of having a TBI is probably the most unpredictable. Although people who engage in rough/extreme sports or work hazardous jobs have a greater chance of suffering a TBI, for everyone else, one of the best ways to reduce our chance of having one is to put safety first in everything we do. Many TBIs result from car and motorcycle accidents, so we should avoid over-speeding, wear our seatbelts or helmets always and drive responsibly.

However, if ever we receive a head injury, we should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if no negative symptoms show immediately.

2. Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are often classified as either malignant or benign. Tumors can grow inside brain tissue (intrinsic) or grow on the external surface of the brain (extrinsic). In both cases, the pressure the tumor can exert on the brain may lead to symptoms of mental illness.

Memory problems is among the symptoms people having brain tumor can show.^[5]

In addition, symptoms tend to depend on the location of the tumor inside the brain. But even additionally, the nature of the tumor, the speed, and the duration of growth may also influence the severity, course, and types of symptoms that will be manifested in any individual affected.

Some people can have brain tumors while showing little or no external symptoms.

The exact causes of brain tumors are poorly understood as yet. However, predisposing factors for developing them are under constant study.

Since some brain tumors are cancerous, some observers have recommended that avoidance of all predisposing factors for cancers may likewise work to reduce an individual’s chances of developing brain tumors too. For example, these might include eating a healthy, balanced diet, avoidance of radioactive environments, avoidance of smoking, among others.

3. AIDS (AIDS Related Psychosis)

People with HIV/AIDS are eight times more likely to have a psychiatric disorder than people without HIV/AIDS. ^[6] This is not without reason.

First of all, it is now known that the HIV virus can cross the blood-brain barrier, although the means through which it does that is rather tricky. Nevertheless, the virus appears to be capable of negatively affecting brain health, probably indirectly.^[6]

Surely, this doesn’t mean all HIV patients will get mentally ill, but the presence of the disease is a predisposing factor to developing a mental illness. Interestingly, some studies have suggested that HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have a lesser chance of developing psychiatric symptoms than those who are not. ^[7]

While a lot of pathologists who are working on the pathology of the HIV virus might explain how the HIV virus can indirectly lead to mental illnesses in the light of their knowledge and expertise, other scientists who are gauging the psychological currents existing between HIV patients and society widely believe the phenomenon of AIDS related psychosis is probably as a result of the interplay of societal pressure, stigma, and rejection inflicted by society on sufferers from the virus.

Whichever of the two reasons trigger psychosis in an HIV patient, they can all be prevented by not contracting HIV at all. A responsible lifestyle devoid of casual sex, substance abuse, and safe medical practice can go a long way in preventing this.

4. High Blood Pressure

Before we discuss the relationship between high blood pressure and the human memory, let us first define what blood pressure is.

Blood pressure can simply be defined as the pressure (force) by which the heart propels oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.

This pressure must not be too high or low. It must be normal for the body to function well.

When the pressure is too high, the force of the blood passing through the body can damage body organs, and when the force is too low, it means some part of the body will not be getting enough oxygen-rich blood.

From this explanation alone, we are certain that there is a clear relationship between blood pressure and the brain. We can say that when the blood pressure is too low, the brain may not get the required oxygen-rich blood, and when it is too high, the force may damage the brain.

We need not mention that when the brain is negatively affected, our memory may suffer also. In fact, research has shown that high blood pressure in midlife is associated with a later decline in memory^[8].

Another research showed that hypertension and obesity escalate memory loss in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease^[9].

To reduce your risks of having hypertension, embrace a lifestyle that is anti-hypertensive. For example, exercise well, have adequate sleep, don’t drink alcohol or smoke, reduce your salt intake, and eat only healthy foods.

In addition, we will advise you to see your doctor if your blood pressure is not around 120/80.

5. Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and despondency. Depression is a common health issue in today’s world, and it is, therefore, crucial we take necessary precautions to avoid getting depressed.

Research work has shown a link between depressive symptoms in midlife or in late life and increased risk of dementia^[10]. In addition, human memory is negatively affected when depressive thoughts are present.^[11]

To reduce your risk of depression, maintain a healthy social life, eat well, have adequate sleep, and exercise regularly.

6. Diabetes

The impact of diabetes on mental health can not be overstated. This health disorder has been theorized to directly or indirectly lead to mental health problems depending on the situation.

For example, Katherine and Perminder (2012) in their literature review, establish that diabetes may increase the risk of cognitive problems^[12]. This is probably because higher blood glucose levels can damage cells in the body (including the brain)^[13]. Other explanations have suggested that diabetes affects the mental health because the stress of managing such a chronic disease can bring in depression on sufferers^[14].

In addition, poorly controlled diabetes can harm your thinking and memory.^[15]

In short, most of what is currently known about the link between diabetes and mental health are not good news. For anyone who wants to enjoy a mental illness-free life, it is wise to avoid a lifestyle that can breed diabetes. To do this is not too difficult; you can start by reading our article on the relationship between sugar and mental health. Don’t forget sugar is often the vehicle for diabetes.

7. Obesity

That obesity has been linked to psychiatric problems would not come as a surprise to anyone who has read about the problem in detail.

Obese people often suffer from poor self-image, poor self-esteem and endure social stigma from society. All these are potent ingredients for a broth of mental illnesses, especially depression.

In addition, research works have linked obesity to depression/mood disorders.^[16][17]

We have already established in the preceding section that depression can negatively affect one’s memory. That said, more research works are needed to be done to fully understand how our weight affects our brain.

To reduce your risk of getting obese, exercise regularly, and eat only healthy foods and do it in moderation.

In addition, it is crucial we state that not all fats are destructive to mental health. In fact, good fats are helpful to mental health. However, excess of anything is not good. We have written previously on how you can channel the consumption of fat to promote your mental health. Do it carefully though, excess of fat in the body may make you obese, and obesity can ruin all the gains on your mental health brought on initially by moderate consumption of fat.

Conclusion

One thing is sure – your health conditions can either make or mar your brain functions. In this chapter, we have briefly discussed some health issues that can affect your memory. Please note that the list of health issues given in this Chapter is not exhaustive, and we expect that scientists will add more health issues as more research works are done.

That said, the best way to ensure a sound memory both now and later is to do whatever is within your reach to ensure good health. Always remember that a good health equals a good brain. When your body suffers from health issues, your brain is also affected. For a better memory, embrace a healthy lifestyle and preach it to others.

References

1. “What Is TBI? | Traumatic Brain Injury | IU School Of Medicine”. Medicine.Iu.Edu, 2020, https://medicine.iu.edu/expertise/traumatic-brain-injury/what-is-traumatic-brain-injury. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
2. “Types Of TBI”. Bouve.Northeastern.Edu, 2020, https://bouve.northeastern.edu/nutraumaticbraininjury/what-is-tbi/types-of-tbi/. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
3. “TBI: Get The Facts | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center “. Cdc.Gov, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
4. “Head Injury As Risk Factor For Psychiatric Disorders: A Nationwide Register-Based Follow-Up Study Of 113,906 Persons With Head Injury | American Journal Of Psychiatry”. 2020, p. ., https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13020190. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
5. “7 Warning Signs Of A Brain Tumor You Should Know | Sandra And Edward Meyer Cancer Center”. Meyercancer.Weill.Cornell.Edu, 2020, https://meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu/news/2016-12-22/7-warning-signs-brain-tumor-you-should-know. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
6. “Neurologic Manifestations Of HIV “. Hivinsite.Ucsf.Edu, 2020, http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-04-01-02. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
7. Sacktor, N. et al. “HIV-Associated Neurologic Disease Incidence Changes:: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, 1990-1998”. Neurology, vol 56, no. 2, 2001, pp. 257-260. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), doi:10.1212/wnl.56.2.257. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
8. Merz, Beverly. “High Blood Pressure In Midlife Linked To Later Decline In Memory, Thinking Skills – Harvard Health Blog”. Harvard Health Blog, 2014, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/high-blood-pressure-midlife-linked-later-declines-memory-thinking-skills-201408077320. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
9. Clark, Lindsay R. et al. “Hypertension And Obesity Moderate The Relationship Between Β-Amyloid And Cognitive Decline In Midlife”. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, vol 15, no. 3, 2018, pp. 418-428. Wiley, doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2018.09.008. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
10. Yaffe, Kristine et al. “Midlife Vs Late-Life Depressive Symptoms And Risk Of Dementia”. Archives Of General Psychiatry, vol 69, no. 5, 2012, p. 493. American Medical Association (AMA), doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.1481. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
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13. “ADRC – Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes And Memory Loss”. Adrc.Usc.Edu, 2020, http://adrc.usc.edu/diabetes-pre-diabetes-and-memory-loss/. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
14. “How Diabetes Impacts Mental Health – Introduction To Diabetes And Its Symptoms”. Net, 2020, https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/how-diabetes-impacts-mental-health. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
15. Publishing, Harvard. “Blood Sugar On The Brain – Harvard Health”. Harvard Health, 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/blood-sugar-on-the-brain. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
16. Publishing, Harvard. “In Brief: Obesity And Depression – Harvard Health”. Harvard Health, 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/In_Brief_Obesity_and_depression. Accessed 16 Oct 2020.
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