What is memory loss like?
Doctors describe amnesia by the length of time it occurs. In the retrograde form, a person does not remember the events that preceded the incident; in the anterograde form, a person cannot remember what happens after it. Fixation amnesia occurs when new information is retained for only a few minutes. A separate category is transient global amnesia - a sudden episode lasting up to a day, during which a person asks the same questions over and over again, but recognizes loved ones and retains skills.
- Retrograde - events before the incident are dropped
- Anterograde - new things are not remembered
- Fixed - information is retained for minutes
- Transient global - short-term reversible episode
- Dissociative – associated with severe mental trauma
- Alcohol "lapses" after an episode of intoxication
Reasons
The range of causes is wide: from traumatic brain injury and stroke to vitamin deficiency and depression. A common situation is regular alcohol consumption: it causes both episodic failures and persistent memory impairment due to a lack of vitamin B1. Memory suffers with epilepsy, brain infections, tumors, hypoxia after stopping breathing, and also when taking certain medications that affect the nervous system. In older people, persistent deterioration in memory most often means the onset of dementia.
- Traumatic brain injury and concussion
- Stroke and transient ischemic attack
- Epileptic seizure
- Encephalitis and meningitis
- Alcohol abuse, vitamin B1 deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease
- Depression and severe stress
- Brain tumor, dementia
Associated signs that are important to the doctor
Memory loss itself tells little about the cause, so the doctor looks for accompanying symptoms. Headache with vomiting, focal weakness, speech impairment indicate damage to the brain substance. Repeated, stereotypical blackout episodes suggest epilepsy. Apathy, disturbed sleep and depression often mimic memory loss associated with depression. Gradual deterioration over months and years is typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Headache, nausea, vomiting
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Impaired speech, vision, coordination
- Convulsions, short-term blackouts
- Depressed mood, loss of interest
- Confusion, disorientation
What examinations are needed
The examination begins with a detailed conversation - if possible, both with the person and with witnesses to the episode. Next, the neurological status is assessed and cognitive tests are performed. Brain imaging can help rule out stroke, hemorrhage, tumors, and the effects of trauma. An EEG is needed if the epileptic nature of the seizures is suspected. Analyzes are aimed at searching for reversible causes - deficiencies, metabolic disorders, infections and intoxications.
- Neuropsychological testing of memory and attention
- MRI of the brain, in an emergency - CT
- Electroencephalography
- General and biochemical blood test, glucose
- Vitamin B12, thyroid hormones
- If an infection is suspected, lumbar puncture as prescribed by a doctor
What to do and how to treat it
Treatment is aimed at the cause: in case of a stroke, the first hours are important, in case of epilepsy, anticonvulsant therapy is selected, in case of vitamin deficiency they are replenished, in case of depression it is treated. If memory has been damaged after an injury or infection, cognitive rehabilitation is used - classes with gradually increasing complexity of tasks, training of household skills, external prompts: notes, reminders in the phone, a single place for keys and documents. In case of alcoholic causes, the key condition for recovery is complete abstinence from alcohol. Memory medications without an established cause do not help, and sometimes prevent a timely diagnosis.
- See a doctor immediately if there is a sudden episode
- Treat the underlying disease, not just the symptom
- Quit alcohol completely
- Replenish proven vitamin deficiencies as prescribed by a doctor.
- Use notes, reminders and daily routine
- Improve sleep and physical activity
- Do not take nootropics and sedatives on your own