Sometimes, when people get older, they begin to experience a deterioration of cognitive function. This will commonly include the loss of memory, in that someone might have trouble remembering the names of others, where they put items like their keys or wallet, where they are in relation to their surroundings, that they had previously asked a question in a conversation that they then repeat, or other pieces of information that previously weren’t a source of confusion or disorientation. This development is most commonly the result of aging, in that as a person gets older their cognitive function becomes more and more impaired as the nervous activity in their brain degrades over time.

Memory loss is one of many symptoms that is commonly associated with the group of illnesses that fall under the umbrella of dementia, wherein the sufferer’s capacity to function in common situations gradually declines to the point of not being able to support themselves and function in basic social settings. As a symptom, memory loss also falls under the purview of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, in that with the onset of such diseases their ability to retain information diminishes alongside other symptoms like a diminished capacity to follow directions and the mixing up of words.

Western medical practitioners generally operate on the assumption that the various illnesses that lead to memory loss like Alzheimer’s disease are not curable, and that the best that can often be done to resolve symptoms like memory loss are to foster as much comfort and peace for the sufferer as possible.

Memory loss, and related diseases like Alzheimer’s, are typically attributed to a diminished function of the nervous system. This might include a diminishing in size of associated nerve cells, and even a reduction in the number of them performing memory-related functions. The ancient texts centered on Ayurvedic tradition are particularly limited in how they address such an occurrence specifically, but modern practitioners will often recommend treatment as informed by other nervous disorders. This fusion of treatments has merit, as Ayurvedic tradition teaches us that there are elemental similarities between all diseases and imbalances that reflect similar doshic excesses.

Given this, an Ayurvedic practitioner is likely to view memory loss as an aggravation of the Vata dosha for it is through this dosha that the nervous system functions. The movement associated with the air element reflects the movement of the messages the nervous system sends to the brain, and their impairment is likely the result of an excessive amount of air and dryness accumulating over the course of the sufferer’s life.

Recommended Ayurvedic therapies for memory loss are likely to be based on balancing the Vata dosha through grounding, nourishing practices. To this point, the therapies will likely be similar to those that treat other nervous disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. This will likely include therapies that calm the nervous system and strengthen its effectiveness, such as administering different herbal regimens and applying medicated oils in practices such as shiro dhara. Hatha yoga and dietary changes are likely to be recommended as well.

Cherries
Bananas
Berries
Apricots
Mangoes
Peaches
Plums

Figs (fresh)
Beets (cooked)
Carrots (cooked)
Asparagus
Sweet potatoes
Asparagus (cooked)
Zucchini

Oats (cooked)
Rice (white basmati)
Whole wheat (unbleached)
Mung beans
Ghee
Milk (in moderation)

Apples
Pears
Watermelon
Cauliflower
Broccoli

Tomatoes
Celery
Eggplant
Corn

Oats (dry)
Barley
Most legumes including green lentils and garbanzo beans
Raw and cold foods