Amnesia young and old
Amnesia is a condition in which there is a loss of memory, such as facts, information, or experiences.
Definition amnesia
Amnesia is a condition in which there is a loss of memory, such as facts, information, or experiences. Individuals with amnesia, also known as amnestic syndrome, generally know their own identity. However, they can have difficulty learning new information and forming new memories.
Amnesia can be caused by damage to certain areas of the brain that are vital for memory. Amnesia can be temporary (transient global amnesia) or permanent.
Reason
Normal memory function involves various areas of the brain. Having an illness or injury involving the brain can affect memory. can occur as a result of injury to the brain structures that make up the limbic system, which controls emotions and memory.
These brain structures include the thalamus which is located in the inner and middle parts of the brain, and the hippocampus formation which is located in the temporal lobe of the brain.
Amnesia caused by injury or damage to the brain is referred to as neurological amnesia. Some of the possible causes of neurological amnesia are:
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), as a result of a viral infection such as the herpes simplex virus, as an autoimmune reaction to cancer in other parts of the body, or as another autoimmune reaction
- Lack of oxygen to the brain, for example from a heart attack, breathing problems, or carbon monoxide poisoning
- Tumors in the area of the brain that controls memory
- Degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia
- Consumption of certain medications
Head injuries, whether from motor vehicle accidents or sports, can cause confusion or difficulty remembering new information. This is especially more often observed in the early stages of healing.
Minor head injuries generally do not cause long-term amnesia, but more severe head injuries can cause permanent amnesia.
One type of amnesia that is quite rare, namely psychogenic amnesia, can be based on emotional shock or trauma, for example being the victim of a violent crime. In this disorder, a person can feel a loss of personal memory, but it is generally temporary.
Some of the risk factors associated with an increased chance of developing amnesia are:
- Brain surgery or head injury
- stroke
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Seizure
Symptom
The two main types of amnesia are:
- Difficulty learning new information after the onset of amnesia (anterograde amnesia)
- Difficulty remembering past events and previously known information (retrograde amnesia)
Most people with amnesia generally have problems with short-term memory, where they have difficulty retaining new information.
The most recent memory is generally easier to lose, while the older, well-embedded memory can persist. For example, the individual may recall experiences as a child or know the names of past presidents, but cannot answer when asked the name of the current president, what month it is, or what to eat for breakfast today.
Memory loss alone does not affect a person's level of intelligence, general knowledge, awareness, attention, judgment, personality or identity.
People with amnesia can generally understand written or spoken words and can learn skills such as riding a bicycle or playing the piano. Sometimes, they also understand that they have a memory impairment.
Amnesia is different from dementia. Dementia generally also includes memory loss, but it also involves other significant cognitive impairments that can cause a decline in daily functioning.
Depending on the underlying cause of amnesia, some other signs and symptoms that may arise are:
- The existence of false memories (confabulation), which can be created as a whole or formed from real memories with different time or other details
- Confusion or disorientation
Prevention
Since damage to the brain can be one of the underlying causes of anemia, it is important to take steps to minimize a person's chances of developing a brain injury. As an example:
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorbike, and wear a seat belt when in a car
- Immediately go to the hospital for treatment if you experience signs and symptoms of a stroke or brain aneurysm, such as a severe headache or numbness and weakness on one side of the body.