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Central nervous system
Central nervous system

Memory loss
Definition:
Memory loss is defined as a loss of memory resulting from brain damage (disease or trauma) or severe emotional trauma.

Alternative Names:
Forgetfulness; Amnesia; Impaired memory; Loss of memory

Considerations:
Whether amnesia comes on suddenly or slowly, and is permanent or temporary, depends on the cause.

Normal aging may result in trouble learning new material or requiring longer time to recall learned material (it does not lead to memory loss unless diseases are involved).
Common Causes:
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 depending on memory.

Extended care facilities, such as nursing homes, should be considered for those whose basic needs cannot be met in any other way, or whose safety and 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 medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

The medical history may need to be obtained by asking questions of the family and friends. Medical history questions documenting memory loss in detail may include:
  • Type
    • Can the person remember recent events (is there impaired short-term memory)?
    • Can the person remember events from further in the past (is there impaired long-term memory)?
    • Is there a loss of memory about events that occurred prior to a specific experience (anterograde amnesia)?
    • Is there a loss of memory about events that occurred soon after a specific experience (retrograde amnesia)?
    • Is there only a minimal loss of memory?
    • Does the person make up stories to cover gaps in memory (confabulation)?
  • Time pattern
    • Has the memory loss been getting worse over years?
    • Has the memory loss been developing over weeks or months?
    • Is the memory loss present all the time or are there distinct episodes of amnesia?
    • If there are amnesia episodes, how long do they last?
  • Aggravating or triggering factors
    • Has there been a head injury in the recent past?
    • Has the person experienced an event that was emotionally traumatic?
    • Has there been a surgery or procedure requiring a general anesthetic?
    • Does the person use alcohol? How much?
    • Does the person use illegal/illicit drugs? How much? What type?
  • Other symptoms
    • What other symptoms are present?
    • Is the person confused or disoriented?
    • Can they independently eat, dress, and perform similar self-care activities?
    • Have they had seizures?
Physical examination may include a detailed neurological examination. Recent, intermediate, and long-term memory will be tested.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to memory loss, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 7/30/2001
Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD, FRCP(C), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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