Human Memory and Memory Loss
Article Navigation:
- Introduction to Memory and Memory Loss
- Definition of Memory
- How Memory Works
- Signs of Memory Loss
- Signs of Dementia
- Causes of Memory Loss
- Memory Loss Myths
- Memory Improvement Techniques
- Memory Games and Exercises
- Memory Tricks and Aids
- Memory Tests
- Memory and Nutrition
- Memory and Music
- Memory References
Causes of Memory Loss
What Causes Short- and Long-Term Memory Loss?
There are many causes for memory loss.[6] Here are some of them:
- Aging
- Alcoholism
- Alzheimer's disease
- Brain damage due to disease or injury
- Brain growths caused by tumors or infection
- Depression or emotional trauma
- Drugs such as barbiturates or benzdiazepines
- Electroconvulsive therapy, especially if it is long-term
- Encephalitis (swelling in the brain) of any type including that caused by herpes, West Nile, or Eastern Equine encephalitis
- General anesthetics
- Head trauma or injury
- Hysteria, often accompanied by confusion
- Illness that causes loss of brain cells or degenerative brain disease
- Nutritional problems including vitamin deficiencies such as low B12
- Seizures
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Temporal lobe brain surgery
This Elder Health Guide was published on August 1, 2009.
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