Amnesia

(from Greek , "" meaning

"without", "" memory) is a deficit
in memory caused by brain damage, disease,
or psychological trauma. (Wikipedia)
Amnesia, can also be caused temporarily by
the use of various sedatives and hypnotic
drugs.
The memory can be either be, wholly or
partially , lost relative to the extent of
damage that was caused.

 Healthy, Age-Related Memory Loss

Some aspects of memory do show age-related loss.

Specifically, the ability to immediately retrieve

information is most negatively affected by the aging
process.
Healthy individuals may have difficulty recalling
information spontaneously, but it 'pops' into the mind
when given cues.
Healthy older adults report a greater number of 'tip-ofthe-tongue' experience,(e.g.. the individual knows exactly
what they want to say but has difficulty finding the right
word or name at that particular time).
Individuals who exhibit healthy, age-related memory loss
do not have difficulty learning new information and are
able to recall information when given reminders or cues.

Secondary memory loss

result from several different medical and/or psychological

conditions.

Stress.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Substance abuse.
Medication.
Brain trauma.
Stroke.
Parkinson's Disease.
Alzheimer Disease.
Multiple sclerosis.
Exposure to neurotoxins.

 Irreversible

Memory Loss

Certain causes of memory loss, such as Alzheimer

Disease, may not be reversed.

Some causes are irreversible, there are medications
available that temporarily halt progression of
memory impairment.

 Reversible

Memory Loss

the underlying 'cause' of the memory loss may be

reversed. Memory loss may be a secondary effect of

certain conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress,
malnutrition, and alcohol abuse.
Once the condition is diagnosed and properly treated,
it is possible that memory functioning will be
partially or completely restored.

 Anterograde

amnesia

A person with anterograde amnesia is unable to form

new memories.

Retrograde amnesia
occurs when a person forgets parts or all of his or her

past.

 Psychogenic

amnesia

is memory loss caused by psychological stress.

 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
before 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)?
Is the person suffering from low moods that impair
concentration?

 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?

 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
general anesthesia?
Does the person use alcohol? How much?
Does the person use illegal/illicit drugs? How much?
What type?

 What other symptoms does the person have?

Is the person confused or disoriented?
Can they independently eat, dress, and perform

similar self-care activities?

Have they had seizures?

 Blood

tests for specific diseases that are

suspected (such as low vitamin B12 or thyroid
disease)
Cerebral angiography
Cognitive tests (psychometric tests)
CT scan or MRI of the head
EEG
Lumbar puncture

 For

some conditions, appropriate treatment

may restore memory functioning.
For other conditions, it may be necessary to
learn adaptive techniques that may lessen the
negative impact of memory impairment.

 Unfortunately,

there are no cures of

Alzheimer disease or other dementias.

All

individuals, however, benefit from:

Remaining mentally active;

Engaging in regular physical activity; and
Being socially active.

THANK YOU!