Memory loss

Memory loss, also known as amnesia, is an abnormal degree of forgetfulness and/or inability to recall past events. Depending on the cause, memory loss may have either a sudden or gradual onset, and memory loss may be permanent or temporary.

Memory loss can be a confusing and frightening anxiety symptom. It's also an extremely common symptom, but the memories that people lose are often so minute that they don't know they're losing them. Memory loss is a byproduct of stress, but various other anxiety symptoms can cause memory loss as well.

Causes

Memory loss can result from a variety of conditions and diseases that primarily or secondarily affect the functioning of the brain, including Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer, encephalitis, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Other common causes of memory loss include – but are not limited to – alcoholism, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep deprivation, and nutritional deficiencies.

Symptoms

The main symptom of memory loss is the inability to remember information or events that you would normally be able to recall. Other symptoms can include confusion, difficulty thinking clearly, difficulty solving problems or carrying out tasks that require planning, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty learning new information.

Treatment

Treatment for memory loss depends on the cause. In many cases, it may be reversible with treatment. For example, memory loss from medications may resolve with a change in medication. Nutritional supplements can be useful against memory loss caused by a nutritional deficiency. And treating depression may be helpful for memory when depression is a factor. In some cases, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and certain brain injuries, memory loss may be irreversible.

See also

• Amnesia
• Dementia
• Alzheimer's disease
• Brain injury
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

References

Memory loss Resources
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