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Memory loss

Forgetfulness; Amnesia; Impaired memory; Loss of memory; Amnestic syndrome; Dementia - memory loss; Mild cognitive impairment - memory loss

 

Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both.

The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient). Or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time.

Causes

 

Normal aging can cause some forgetfulness. It is normal to have some trouble learning new material or needing more time to remember it. But normal aging does not lead to dramatic memory loss. Such memory loss is due to other diseases.

Memory loss can be caused by many things. To determine a cause, your health care provider will ask if the problem came on suddenly or slowly.

Many areas of the brain help you create and retrieve memories. A problem in any of these areas can lead to memory loss.

Memory loss may result from a new injury to the brain, which is caused by or is present after:

  • Brain tumor
  • Cancer treatment, such as brain radiation , bone marrow transplant , or chemotherapy
  • Concussion or head trauma
  • Not enough oxygen getting to the brain when your heart or breathing is stopped for too long
  • Severe brain infection or infection around brain
  • Major surgery or severe illness, including brain surgery
  • Transient global amnesia (sudden, temporary loss of memory) of unclear cause
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid collection in the brain)

Sometimes, memory loss occurs with mental health problems, such as:

  • After a major, traumatic or stressful event
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression or other mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia

Memory loss may be a sign of dementia . Dementia also affects thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.

Other causes of memory loss include:

  • Alcohol or use of prescription or illegal drugs
  • Brain infections such as Lyme disease , syphilis, or HIV/AIDS
  • Overuse of medicines, such as barbiturates or ( hypnotics )
  • ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) (most often short-term memory loss)
  • Epilepsy that is not well controlled
  • Illness that results in the loss of, or damage to brain tissue or nerve cells, such as Parkinson disease , Huntington disease , or multiple sclerosis
  • Low levels of important nutrients or vitamins, such as low vitamin B1 or B12

 

Home Care

 

A person with memory loss needs a lot of support.

  • It helps to show the person familiar objects, music, or and photos or play familiar music.
  • Write down when the person should take any medicine or do other important tasks. It is important to write it down.
  • If a person needs help with everyday tasks, or if safety or nutrition is a concern, you may want to consider extended-care facilities, such as a nursing home.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the person's medical history and symptoms. This will usually include asking questions of family members and friends. For this reason, they should come to the appointment.

Medical history questions may include:

  • Type of memory loss, such as short-term or long-term
  • Time pattern, such as how long the memory loss has lasted or whether it comes and goes
  • Things that triggered memory loss, such as head injury or surgery

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood tests for specific diseases that are suspected (such as low vitamin B12 or thyroid disease)
  • Cerebral angiography
  • Cognitive tests (neuropsychological/psychometric tests)
  • CT scan or MRI of the head
  • EEG
  • Lumbar puncture

Treatment depends on the cause of memory loss.

 

 

Open References

References

Kirshner HS, Ally B. Intellectual and memory impairments. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SK, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7.

Oyebode F. Disturbance of memory. In: Oyebode F, ed. Sims' Symptoms in the Mind: Textbook of Descriptive Psychopathology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 5.

 
  • Central nervous system

    Central nervous system - illustration

    The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

    Central nervous system

    illustration

  • Brain

    Brain - illustration

    The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

    Brain

    illustration

    • Central nervous system

      Central nervous system - illustration

      The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

      Central nervous system

      illustration

    • Brain

      Brain - illustration

      The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

      Brain

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Memory loss

         
           

          Review Date: 1/5/2016

          Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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