Forgetfulness

Alternative names

Memory loss; Amnesia; Impaired memory; Loss of memory

Definition

Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness that can be caused by brain damage due to disease or injury, or it can be caused by severe emotional trauma.

Considerations

The cause determines whether amnesia comes on slowly or suddenly, and whether it is temporary or permanent.

Normal aging may result in trouble learning new material or requiring longer time to recall learned material. However, it does not lead to dramatic memory loss unless diseases are involved.

Common Causes

• Aging
  
• Alzheimer's disease
  
• Neurodegenerative illness
  
• Head trauma or injury
  
• Hysteria often accompanied by confusion
  
• Seizures
  
• General anesthetics such as halothane, isoflurane, and fentanyl
  
• Alcoholism
  
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  
• Transient global amnesia
  
• Drugs such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines
  
• Electroconvulsive therapy (especially if prolonged)
  
• Temporal lobe brain surgery
  
• Brain masses (caused by tumors or infection)
  
• Herpes encephalitis
  
• Other brain infections
  
• Depression
  

Home Care

Family support should be provided. Reality orientation is recommended - supply familiar music, objects, or photos, to help the patient become oriented. Support for relearning may be required in some cases.

Any medication schedules should be written down to avoid dependence on memory.

Extended care facilities, such as nursing homes, should be considered for people whose basic needs cannot be met in any other way, or whose safety or nutrition is in jeopardy.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if there is any unexplained memory loss.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain a medical history. This may require asking questions of family members and friends.