What Causes Memory Loss? Risks, Alzheimer’s Prevention

Memory problems aren’t just a concern of old age—they can appear in young and middle-aged adults, too. Research links depression, high blood pressure, obesity, inactivity, and other modifiable factors to higher rates of memory complaints across all age groups. Understanding these risks—along with brain-gut and vascular influences—helps you take practical steps early to protect cognition. The sections below summarize key findings and outline natural support options, including how Naturem™ Memory+ may fit into a broader brain-health routine.

Table of Contents

• UCLA Study on Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• How Depression and Lifestyle Affect Cognitive Health
• Naturem™ Memory+: Natural Support for Brain Health

What Causes Memory Loss Across All Age Groups

Health factors that have been shown to increase the risk of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have now been found to increase the likelihood of memory complaints across all adult age groups, including young adults between the ages of 18-39. There have been many studies carried out previously that have found a connection between health problems and cognitive functioning, our ability to process thoughts, notably a research connecting artery narrowing with memory problems, and another study that suggested thinking skills are best in those who had better cardiovascular fitness in their youth.

UCLA Study on Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

A new study, carried out by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and published in the journal PLOS ONE, claims to be the first to determine that these health risk factors may be indicative of early memory complaints. Researchers polled 18,552 individuals aged 18 to 99, capturing a representative 90% of the US population, about their memory and a variety of lifestyle and health factors.

The interviews were focused on factors known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, such as depression, diabetes, lower education levels, obesity and smoking. The study found that many of these risk factors increased the chances of memory complaints, but most importantly that this was the case across all adult age groups. Of those polled, 20% were found to have memory complaints; this included 14% of young adults, 22% of middle-aged adults (ages 40-59) and 26% of older adults (ages 60-99). The risk factors found to increase the likelihood of memory complaints were depression, low levels of education, physical inactivity and high blood pressure.

How Depression and Lifestyle Affect Cognitive Health

Across all age groups, the strongest single risk factor for memory complaints was depression. Having memory complaints at an early age could indicate a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting more than 55 million people worldwide in 2020. It is also the fifth leading cause of death globally, with 10 million new cases every year. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque on brain cells, which interferes with their function and communication.

Other factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease are aging, poor blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood deficiency. Moreover, an imbalance in the gut bacteria can affect the brain-gut axis, which controls mood, cognition, and immunity. Naturem™ Memory+ is a product that contains medicinal herbs and hydroxytyrosol, which can help improve memory, prevent, and slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Naturem™ Memory+: Natural Support for Brain Health

Memory Plus has the following benefits: It supports the regeneration of neurons, helps enhance antioxidant activity to reduce aging, helps boost the immune system, improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain, and helps balance the digestive system and the brain-gut axis. Memory Plus is a wonderful product that can help improve memory, concentration, and cerebral circulation. It can also help fight against Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms.