neurologic disorders
Memory Loss
Etiology of Memory Loss
Themost common causesof memory loss (see table) are Age-associated memory impairment (most common) Mild cognitive impairment Dementia Depression Age-associated memory impairmentrefers to the worsening of memory that occurs with aging. In people with this condition, it takes longer to form new memories (eg, a new neighbor's name, a new computer password) and to learn new complex information and tasks (eg, work procedures, computer programs). Age-associated memory impairment leads to occasional forgetfulness (eg, misplacing car keys) or embarrassment. However, cognition and the ability to perform most activities of daily living are not impaired. Given sufficient time to think and answer questions, patients with this condition can usually do so, indicating intact memory and cognitive functions. have actual memory loss, rather than the sometimes slow memory retrieval from relatively preserved memory storage in age-matched controls. Mild cognitive impairment tends to affect short-term (also called episodic) memory first. Patients have trouble remembering recent conversations, the location of commonly used items, and appointments. However, memory for remote events is typically intact, as is attention (also called working memory—patients can repeat lists of items and do simple calculations). The definition of mild cognitive impairment is evolving; mild cognitive impairment is now sometimes defined as impairment in memory and/or other cognitive functions that is not severe enough to affect daily function. Up to 50% of patients with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia within 3 years ( Etiology reference ). Dementia None Depressive Disorders None Delirium None Less common causesof memory loss that may be reversed with treatment include the following: Hypothyroidism None Normal–Pressure Hydrocephalus None Spinal Subdural or Epidural Hematoma None Vitamin B12 Deficiency None Differential diagnosis (can cause pseudodementia) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) None Neurosarcoidosis Other disorders may be remediable, depending on the extent and degree of tissue damage. They include Introduction to Brain Infections None Overview of Intracranial Tumors None Cardiac Arrest None Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) None Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection None Unusually long Seizure Disorders None Certain types of Overview of Stroke None Overuse of certain medications and other substances (including Alcohol Toxicity and Withdrawal ) 1.Roberts RO, Knopman DS, Mielke MM, et al: Higher risk of progression to dementia in mild cognitive impairment cases who revert to normal.Neurology82 (4):317–325, 2014. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000055 Epub 2013 Dec 18. 