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 doctor or nurse 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

Migraine headache

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

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 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 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 doctor or nurse 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 (psychometric tests)

CT scan or MRI of the head

EEG

Lumbar puncture

Treatment depends on the cause of memory loss.

Alternative Names
Forgetfulness; Amnesia; Impaired memory; Loss of memory; Amnestic syndrome; Dementia
- memory loss

References

Kirshner HS. Approaches to intellectual and memory impairments. In:

Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds.Bradley's Neurology in Clinical
Practice