Virtual Medical Centre

Symptoms

Memory Loss

• What is memory loss?
• What causes memory loss?
• When do you see your healthcare professional?

What is memory loss?

Our memory is where we store, retain and retrieve information. When there is some damage to the part of our brain that performs these functions then that is when memory loss can occur. Memory loss is a symptom where a person experiences an abnormal level of forgetfulness and inability to recall past events in their life. This usually is a consequence of damage to the brain that may have been caused by disease, injury or excessive emotional stress. Memory loss may be temporary or permanent. It is important to note that not all memory problems signify dementia or Alzheimer's and that memory impairment can be caused by many medical conditions, and it is possible that something simple and treatable such as depression or epilepsy or even some medication you may be taking may be the underlying cause. 

Memory loss is a very broad term that can mean any deficit in memory function. There are many different types of memory loss including anterograde (inability to learn new memories), retrograde (forgetting old memories), complete or partial, sudden or long term. Sometimes a person will have only memory loss (sometimes called the 'amnesic syndrome’) or only mild memory loss (called 'mild cognitive impairment’). Sometimes a person will have memory loss as part of more general problems such as in dementia where a person may have difficulty with memory as well as difficulty with speech, fiddly jobs and planning.

Some memory loss is quite common as people get older and people can become worried that they are developing dementia. For this reason there is included a short paragraph on the warning signs of dementia.

What causes memory loss?

Memory loss is a common health complaint particularly in the elderly. There is an array of medical conditions that can affect memory and cause memory loss, many of which can be treated easily. Some causes of memory loss include:

• Normal aging process (age-associated memory impairment)
• Vitamin deficiencies such as B12 and anaemia, electrolyte imbalances
• Thyroid abnormalities (Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism)
• Depression, anxiety and stress (Pseudodementia)
• Other psychiatric disorders (especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Head injuries
• Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Fronto-temporal dementia)
• Delirium
• Temporal lobe surgery
• Cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, transient ischemic attack and multi-infarct dementia
• Sleep apnoea
• Cerebral tumours
• Dehydration
• Cardiovascular disorders - acute myocardial infarction, arrythmias (irregular heartbeat), congestive heart failure
• Seizures (especially Temporal Lobe Epilepsy)
• Medications (for example Barbituites and Benzodiazepines)
• Alcohol
• Drugs (many illicit drugs, including amphetamines, marijuana and cocaine can cause short term memory loss)
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (thiamine deficiency)
• Encephalitis (especially Herpes simplex)
• Infections (Meningitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Huntington’s disease, late Parkinson's disease, Picks’ disease

It is important it note that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of ageing and not all people who have memory loss have dementia or any of the above conditions.

When do you see your healthcare professional?

As a result of the aging process memory and thinking abilities slow down naturally and it may take longer to remember things. Such mild memory impairment is referred to as age-associated memory impairment and is usually absolutely normal. However, when memory loss has progressed to such an extent that normal every day activities cannot be carried out such as eating, bathing, shopping, driving and taking medication then this is an indication that a more severe type of memory dysfunction may be occurring which should be checked by your general practitioner.

It is a good idea to seek help if you are finding that you are:

• becoming lost in places that are usually familiar to you
• repeatedly asking the same questions
• are confused about time, people and places
• keep losing your belongings ie wallet and keys
• forgetting appointments and social committments

If you are worried then asking someone close to you if they have noticed any memory problems is a good idea.