5 Improve your blood sugar. Diabetes is also a major risk factor.

6 Improve your cholesterol. It will protect the arteries that bring vital oxygen to your brain.

7 Avoid tobacco. It´s the most important way to prevent disease.

8 Don´t abuse alcohol. People who enjoy one or two drinks a day may actually reduce their risk of memory loss but people who drink heavily are courting disaster.

9 Consider low-dose aspirin. Some evidence suggests that long-term use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the risk of memory loss. Ask your doctor if a baby aspirin a day is right for you. heavily are courting disaster.

10 Care for your emotions. Stress, depression, and sleep deprivation impair mental function.

11 Protect your head. Head injuries increase the risk of memory loss.

12 Build social networks. People are good medicine.

Serious memory loss is usually identified by a relative or friend.

The second leading cause of severe memory loss is vascular dementia, which develops from blockages in small arteries in the brain. In advanced cases, the memory loss is as severe as in Alzheimer´s, but behavioral problems are less likely.

Other causes include Lewy body disease, Parkinson´s disease, alcohol, and certain infections.

Serious Memory Loss Treatment

It´s important for you to improve your general health, especially your blood pressure and cholesterol.

Drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer´s disease. Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are safe drugs that may cause occasional diarrhea or nausea.

Memantine is a newer drug that´s approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer´s, either alone or in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Dizziness is the most common side effect.

Although none of these medications can cure Alzheimer´s or stop it from getting worse, they may offer help. If behavioral problems become prominent, doctors may prescribe various psychiatric medications, but care is required to reduce the risk of side effects, which can be serious.

Although supplements such as vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, and DHEA are widely promoted to boost memory, there is little evidence that they help.

Protection and Support

Serious memory loss puts a tremendous burden on patients and their families. Simple measures to prevent accidents and injuries are important, especially for patients who live independently. Examples include using night lights and removing loose rugs and electrical cords to prevent falls, installing handrails on stairs and in showers, locking medicine cabinets, setting the water heater no higher than 120 degrees, removing electrical appliances from the bathroom, and replacing the stove with a microwave.

In time, many patients need more protection and support, ranging from adult day care centers to protected living arrangements. It´s difficult and stressful for caregivers and loved ones, who also need support and help.