“Goldfish brain” syndrome in young people

Doctor CKI Le Thi Thuy Uyen, Department of Neurology, Thong Nhat Hospital (HCMC) consults a patient with memory loss. Photo: KIM HUYEN

U30 has... forgotten the past and the future

Ms. Vo Thi Hong Nhung (25 years old, office worker in Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “Every day I have a funny story because I often forget things that seem very simple such as turning off the fan, sending emails, locking the door... Sometimes, halfway to work, I have to go back to my room because I'm not sure if I turned off the stove. At first, I laughed because I thought it was because of my superficial nature and rushing work, so sometimes I remember and sometimes I forget”. Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Bao (27 years old, IT engineer in Ho Chi Minh City) also encountered the story of... forgetting things, sometimes he stared at the computer screen for a few minutes just to remember what to do. Every day, there are hundreds of new information that make Mr. Bao's brain always overloaded. When he went to the hospital for a health check, he was diagnosed with mild dementia syndrome and had to temporarily take a break from work and relax for a while to recover his brain health.

“Goldfish brain” syndrome is understood as a condition of forgetfulness, memory loss and lack of concentration. In the past, memory loss was often associated with the elderly, but now, more and more young people complain about forgetfulness. There are many causes of memory loss in young people such as: stressful lifestyle, work pressure, sleep disorders, alcohol and stimulant abuse, technology and social media abuse, lack of exercise causing poor blood circulation reducing the ability to regenerate nerve cells, malnutrition... In addition, this is also a manifestation of some mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders... Some diseases also cause memory loss such as hypothyroidism, anemia, brain tumors... “Goldfish brain” syndrome also increases the risk of early Alzheimer's disease and can easily lead to stress and depression.

Live healthy, prevent memory loss

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga, Head of the Department of Neurology, Thong Nhat Hospital (HCMC), memory loss in young people is due to poor concentration and reduced ability to record information. Patients often have difficulty remembering information that has just happened, and can recall it immediately when prompted. According to a survey report by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam currently records that about 20-30% of young people aged 16-35 years old are facing memory problems. Common symptoms of memory loss in young people include: poor concentration, frequent distraction at work and study; forgetfulness, difficulty remembering new information; abnormal changes in psychology and emotions (easily angry, upset, indifferent...). To determine the cause of memory loss, the doctor will evaluate using cognitive test tables (assessing the ability to concentrate, immediate memory, recall...), depression and anxiety tests...

Doctor CKI Le Thi Thuy Uyen, Department of Neurology, Thong Nhat Hospital (HCMC) consults a patient with memory loss.

To overcome the “goldfish brain” syndrome, experts recommend changing your lifestyle, reducing stress and work pressure; arranging work reasonably, avoiding having to solve many problems at the same time; practicing relaxation, meditation, qigong, yoga. In addition, each person needs to exercise regularly, increase blood circulation, increase respiration, increase oxygen to the brain, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation... Need to have good sleep, avoid abusing alcohol, stimulants, especially avoid excessive physical and mental activities in the evening. In addition, a reasonable diet also has a good effect in preventing and overcoming memory loss. “We need to limit foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, and carbonated drinks. Instead, we should use healthy and nutritious food sources for the brain such as sea fish, foods rich in B vitamins, foods rich in choline found in poultry eggs, olive oil, and reduce animal fat,” Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga recommends.

KIM HUYEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hoi-chung-nao-ca-vang-o-nguoi-tre-post789267.html