memory loss

Memory loss is the inability to recall people, objects, places, or events that took place in the recent or distant past.

 

The brain stores different types of information in different places. Short-term memory involves recalling details that have been catalogued seconds or minutes before. Examples include reciting a phone number, recognizing a new face, or repeating a list of 3 objects seen 2 or 3 minutes earlier. For this to happen, distinct areas deep in the brain need to function properly.

 

Long-term memory involves the ability to recall events that took place in the distant past. For short-term memory to convert to long-term memory, other permanent changes to brain cells have to take place. This is similar to creating a permanent file or recording. Other parts of the brain perform this filing function.

 

Occasional memory lapses or forgetfulness are common. These may be associated with depression, stress, lack of sleep, and normal aging. Memory loss only becomes a problem when it is severe and interferes with daily living.

 

Amnesia is a severe form of memory loss. It may be a partial or complete lack of recall. Depending on the cause of amnesia, the memory loss may come on suddenly or slowly. It can be temporary or permanent.

 

Many people with progressive memory loss may not be aware of their worsening forgetfulness. Their family members or friends may be better able to judge whether their memory lapses are getting worse. Depending on whether the memory loss involves short-term or long-term memory, the individual or family may notice certain events, such as:

 

Common medical causes of memory loss include: normal agingAlzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder causing deterioration in memory and thought processes depressionhead injuryseizures chronic alcohol abuse barbiturates, hallucinogens, and medications such as those used for anesthesia electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, which is used to treat some mental disorderssurgery in the temporal lobe of the brain, such as a craniotomy for a brain tumor lack of oxygen to the brain, from an event such as a near drowningstrokeHuntington's disease atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteriesmultiple sclerosis, a degenerative disorder caused by destruction of the lining of nerves throughout the body HIV, the immunodeficiency disorder associated with AIDS Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder of part of the nervous system Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rapidly progressing degenerative disorder of the nervous system causing problems with walking, talking, and the senses Pick's disease, a disorder of the brain that causes slowly progressing dementiaviral or bacterial encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain Lewy body disease, a degenerative disease of the nervous systemnormal pressure hydrocephalus, or increased cerebrospinal fluid in the brain chronic subdural hematoma, or bleeding between the brain lining and brain tissuebrain tumor Wilson disease, a rare disease causing an accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, kidneys, and corneas neurosyphilis, an infection of the nervous system by the syphilis bacteria which causes weakness and mental deterioration

Mild memory loss comes normally with aging. Keeping the brain active may help to preserve brain cells. Reading, singing, doing puzzles, conversing, exercising, and eating a balanced diet stimulate blood flow and activity in the brain.

A person does not need to see a healthcare professional about simple memory loss that happens only once in a while. If memory loss is severe and progressive, Alzheimer's disease must be considered. Dementia can be diagnosed only if a healthcare provider is made aware of the problem.