DEAR DR. GOTT: Can memory loss be caused by a sodium level of 120?
DEAR READER: Sodium is a mineral vital to normal body functioning. It maintains appropriate water and mineral balances and assists nerves and muscles. It is naturally found in grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats in low amounts. Most processed foods have high amounts of salt to enhance flavor and many people add salt to food, either during cooking or once at the table. Sodium is commonly consumed at five times the required amount. For this reason, consequences of high sodium intakes and blood levels are the most commonly discussed issues.
Oddly (or interestingly, depending on how you look at it), both hypernatremia (too much blood sodium) and hyponatremia (too little blood sodium) present in similar ways. Both can cause fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, vomiting, restlessness, nausea, altered mental status (such as confusion, stupor or hallucinations), convulsions/seizures, and coma. Hyponatremia can also present with headache and muscle weakness, spasms or cramps. Hypernatremia can also present with lethargy, twitching, tremor, ataxia (lack of coordination) and hyper-reflexia (exaggerated reflexes).
Because you specifically mention a sodium level of 120 (normal is between 135 and 145), I will continue my answer in regard to hyponatremia only.
There are two types of low blood sodium; acute and chronic. Acute is much more severe and occurs within a period of 48 hours or less, causing swelling and damage to the brain. Chronic, which occurs over a period of days or weeks, is less severe and swelling is often minimal because the brain has time to adjust to the abnormal levels.
There are three categories of cause. Those related to low total body water, such as from dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.; those with near-normal total body water levels, such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion), or Addison’s disease; and those with an increase in the total body water level such as cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure, or various kidney disorders.
Treatment depends on the cause and can include chemotherapy, radiation, medication, intravenous (IV) fluids/nutrition, and fluid restriction. Only after the cause is found should treatment begin.
As to whether your memory loss is directly related to your low sodium level, I cannot say. You don’t provide an age, gender, general health status, or a list of any over-the-counter or prescription medications or supplements you may be on. If you are 25, in good health and on no medications, I would say it was possible. On the other hand, if you were 75, I wouldn’t be so sure, as some degree of memory loss occurs with age.
I urge you to speak with your physician about your concerns. He or she is most familiar with your medical history and overall health and will be your best source of information.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and a $2 to US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
