Amen University
When most people think about memory loss, they often blame aging, stress, or genetics. Make no mistake, these factors can affect your brain health, so it’s important to take memory loss seriously. However, most people overlook one of the most common and hidden culprits: head trauma.
Few people realize just how harmful a bump or blow to the head can be. Even if it doesn’t seem serious at the time, head injuries often set the stage for memory problems down the road.
Roughly 2.8 million people in the U.S. get a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, every year. Concussions are even more common in sports with around 3.8 million from sports injuries every year. The truth is you don’t have to black out for your brain to suffer the consequences.
Renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Amen and former trauma nurse and brain health warrior Tana Amen, BSN, RN provide insights on the consequences of head trauma in their online course called Memory Rescue.
With their advice, you can learn to heal underlying damage from hidden brain injuries and improve memory and focus—no matter your age or background.
Understanding Head Injuries: What Happens Inside Your Brain
Head injuries and memory loss are deeply connected and often overlooked as the effects of a mild traumatic brain injury and memory problems may not show up right away. You might feel fine after hitting your head, but weeks or even years later, you could experience post-concussion memory problems without realizing the cause.
Even mild traumatic brain injuries can disrupt the brain’s normal function, leading to cognitive issues including:
● Brain fog
● Mood swings
● Impulsivity
● Forgetfulness
● Difficulty concentrating and focusing
● Higher risk of anxiety, depression, and dementia
Head injuries, even without a loss of consciousness, can significantly increase these hidden yet common causes of cognitive decline.
That’s because one key area affected by head trauma is the pituitary gland, known as the master hormone gland. When this gland is damaged, it can disrupt hormone production, leading to chronic fatigue, mood issues, and—you guessed it—memory problems.
In fact, research shows that up to 30% of people who experience TBI develop pituitary dysfunction, which can severely affect brain performance.
Amen University’s Memory Rescue course features Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS framework, outlining the 11 major risk factors for memory loss. The “H” in BRIGHT MINDS represents the topic of head trauma—and for good reason.
Falls are a leading cause of brain injury in adults, especially older adults, with motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries not far behind. Whether you’ve been in a fender bender or taken a bad fall during a game, it's important to consider how concussions affect memory and seek help when needed.
Risk Factors for Memory Problems After Head Injury
Memory problems after head injury can show up in a variety of ways—from forgetting names or appointments to experiencing overwhelming brain fog after head injury. These can last for months or years without proper care.
Risk factors for long-term effects of mild head trauma include:
● Any head injury, with or without a loss of consciousness, can cause disruption in neural circuits, leading to post-concussion memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
● Loss of sense of smell, also called anosmia, often occurs with head injuries and is directly linked to the olfactory system, which is connected to memory processing. According to 2023 research published in Neurology, those with loss of smell had significantly higher risks of cognitive decline and dementia.
● Hormone imbalances caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, called hypothalamic dysfunction, can worsen brain injury and memory loss. Hormones like thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol are all essential to brain function. When levels shift or drop suddenly, the brain slows down, contributing to confusion, low motivation, and forgetfulness.
Knowing the risks can empower you to take proactive steps, especially if you or a loved one has experienced a seemingly minor head injury.
Interventions for Brain Injury and Memory Loss: What Works
If you’re struggling with concussion memory issues or the long-term effects of mild head trauma, you’re not alone or without options. Dr. Amen and Tana Amen recommend the following interventions to improve brain function after injury:
● Brain SPECT Imaging: One of the most groundbreaking tools at Amen Clinics, functional brain scans allow doctors to see areas of the brain that may be underactive or injured. This helps create a personalized healing plan instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
● B6, B12, and Folate (B9): These essential B vitamins help repair neurons and reduce inflammation while supporting neurotransmitter function. This is especially helpful for people with brain fog after head injury.
● Omega-3 fatty acids: Known for their brain-boosting benefits, omega-3s help reduce inflammation, support neural regeneration, and help stave off dementia.
● Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This therapy increases oxygen delivery to injured areas of the brain, promoting healing. Research found patients with chronic TBI showed significant cognitive improvement after HBOT.
● Prevention: Future falls and accidents worsen existing damage. Ensure your home is free of trip hazards, install grab bars in bathrooms, wear protective gear for sports, and always address symptoms after a blow to the head—even if it seems minor.
Foods That Help Heal Head Injuries and Memory Loss
The foods you eat play a huge role in your brain’s recovery process as the right nutrients promote repair and better recovery. Here are three of the best brain-healing foods to incorporate when experiencing post-concussion memory problems:
● Choline-rich foods such as eggs, shrimp, and cauliflower are vital because they support the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory. Research suggests that TBI disrupts the cholinergic system, and restoring acetylcholine levels can improve cognitive outcomes.
● Turmeric, rich in curcumin, is a deliciously powerful anti-inflammatory to add to your food and drinks. A 2018 study found turmeric reduced tau protein levels, which are associated with brain damage after repetitive head trauma.
● Peppermint herbs are as refreshing as they are helpful in enhancing cognitive performance. A 2018 double-blind study shows that peppermint increases synaptic availability of acetylcholine, essentially leading to improved memory, mental fatigue, attention, and mood regulation. Enjoy a cup of peppermint tea or diffuse peppermint essential oil when managing concussion memory issues.
Adding these brain-healing ingredients to your daily diet can help you recover from post-concussion memory problems and feel sharper with time.
You Can Heal Your Brain and Rescue Your Memory
The effects of head injuries and memory loss can linger long after the injury itself. With an accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions, you can overcome mild brain injuries, hormonal imbalances, and memory loss.
If you or someone you love has experienced a fall, accident, or even a mild concussion, don’t dismiss it. Take time to learn how to protect your brain—because when you rescue your memory, you rescue your life.
Register now for Amen University’s Memory Rescue course to learn more about how to protect your brain and memory—for years to come.
