brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Memory Loss
Causes of Memory Loss
The most common causes of memory loss are Age-related changes in memory (most common) Mild cognitive impairment Dementia Depression Age-related changes in memory(called age-associated memory impairment) refer to the normal slight decline in brain function that occurs as people age. Most older adults have some memory problems. Retrieving memories of new things, such as what is a new neighbor's name or how to use a new computer program, takes longer. Older adults also have to rehearse new memories more often for the memories to be stored. People with this type of memory loss occasionally forget things, such as where they left their car keys. But for them, unlike people with dementia, the ability to do daily activities or to think is not impaired. Given enough time, these people usually remember, although sometimes later than is convenient. This type of memory loss is not a sign of dementia or early Alzheimer disease. Mild cognitive impairmentis an imprecise term used to describe impairments in mental function that are not severe enough to affect daily functioning. Memory loss is often the most obvious symptom. Memories are actually lost, not merely slow to retrieve, as occurs in people with age-related changes in memory. People with mild cognitive impairment have trouble remembering recent conversations and may forget important appointments or social events, but they typically remember past events. Attention and the ability to do daily activities are not affected. However, up to half of people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia within 3 years. Dementia None Have difficulty remembering how to do things they have done many times before and how to get to places they have often been to No longer do things that require many steps, such as following a recipe Forget to pay bills or keep appointments Forget to turn off a stove, lock the house when they leave, or take care of a child left in their care In the early stages of dementia, people may be aware of their memory loss. But as dementia progresses, they, unlike people with age-related changes in memory, become unaware of their memory loss and often deny that they have such loss. Finding the right word, naming objects, understanding language, and doing, planning, and organizing daily activities become more and more difficult. People with dementia eventually become disoriented, not knowing what time or even what year it is or where they are. Their personality may change. They may become more irritable, anxious, paranoid, inflexible, or disruptive. There are many forms of dementia. Alzheimer Disease is the most common. Most forms of dementia progressively worsen until the person's death. Some conditions that increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disorders (such as high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, and diabetes) seem to increase the risk of dementia. Depression None Stresscan interfere with forming a memory and with recalling a memory, partly by preoccupying people and thus preventing them from paying attention to other things. However, in certain circumstances, particularly when stress is mild to moderate and does not last long, it can enhance memory. Many disorders can cause a deterioration of mental function that resembles dementia. Some of these disorders may be reversed with treatment. They include the following: Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) Normal–Pressure Hydrocephalus (due to excess fluid around the brain) Subdural Hematomas (pockets of blood under the outer layer of the membranes covering the brain) Vitamin B12 Deficiency None Other disorders are only partially reversible. How much they can be reversed depends on how much tissue has been damaged. They include Disorders that interfere with the supply of blood or nutrients to the brain, such as a cardiac arrest and certain types of Overview of Stroke None Unusually long seizure Overview of Head Injuries None Overview of Brain Infections None Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection None Overview of Brain Tumors None Overuse of certain medications or substances (including alcohol) In people with these disorders, treatment can sometimes improve memory and mental function. If damage is more extensive, treatment may not improve mental function but can often prevent further deterioration. In Delirium , memory is affected, but memory loss is not the most noticeable symptom. Rather, people with delirium are very confused, disoriented, and incoherent. Severe alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens), a severe bloodstream infection (sepsis), lack of oxygen (as may result from pneumonia), and many other disorders can cause delirium, as can use of illicit drugs. 