What is Memory Loss? ~ Domenico Pratico, MD, FCPP
- May 20, 2024
Memory loss, also known as amnesia, is a broad term typically used for any issue regarding forming,
storing, or recalling memories. More commonly, it is a condition we refer to anytime we are in a
situation and forced to say: “I cannot remember.” Who among us has never walked into a room and
forgotten why we entered? Who among us has never forgotten the exact name of an object or tool
in our garage or basement? Can any of these moments be “memory loss”? Probably not. They are
better defined as memory lapses, which, together with a modest decline in thinking skills, are very
common as we age.
Memory loss is something more substantial—it is an unusual forgetfulness. It is a situation in which
we may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both. In
some cases, the memory loss may be for a short time and then completely resolve (transient
memory loss). In other cases, it may persist and, in certain situations, can even get worse over time.
In some severe cases, the episodes are not only more frequent but may interfere with daily living
activities. Please remember that minor changes in memory as person ages are to be considered
normal. This includes misplacing reading glasses, not finding the keys to the car or house, or even
the occasional difficulty in finding the right word while having a conversation. Most of these
situations are common and within the range of normal memory changes. Most importantly, these
types of memory lapses don't typically interfere with daily life and, for this reason, should not be
considered signs of dementia.
Memory loss could result from an acute condition or it can be a progressive phenomenon. If an
individual is experiencing memory loss, it is very important to differentiate between an “acute or
sudden” versus a “progressive/slow-moving” form of it.
Among the causes of acute memory loss are situations that abruptly damage our brain:
• Brain bleeding’
• Environmental toxins like carbon monoxide poisoning
• Cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy)
• Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries
• Stroke or other causes of brain ischemia or hypoxia
• Medications, (including anesthetics, opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines)
• Brain bleeding’
• Environmental toxins like carbon monoxide poisoning
• Cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy)
• Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries
• Stroke or other causes of brain ischemia or hypoxia
• Medications, (including anesthetics, opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines)
By contrast, slowly progressive memory loss manifests over time (weeks and months) because of the subtle but progressive damage to brain cells. Among the conditions that most often cause progressive memory loss are:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Huntington’s disease
• Vascular disorders of the brain
• Brain tumors
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Huntington’s disease
• Vascular disorders of the brain
• Brain tumors
Domenico Praticò, MD, is the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research, Professor and Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, and Professor of Pharmacology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
You can find out more information on Dr. Domenico Pratico’s research papers here.
Follow Dr Domenico Pratico‘s lab website here: Pratico Lab
