Amnesia
Introduction
Amnesia is a memory loss condition where a person loses access to past information or has difficulty forming new memories. However, it does not affect self-awareness—meaning individuals with amnesia still recognize themselves.
There are different types of amnesia, including:
Dissociative Amnesia – Unlike general amnesia, memories are not lost but are deeply buried in the mind due to psychological trauma. These memories may resurface over time or be triggered by environmental cues.
Overview & Key Facts
Amnesia does not affect intelligence, awareness, personality, or identity.
In severe cases, lost memories may be irretrievable.
Dissociative amnesia is more common in women than in men.
The condition is more frequent during stressful or traumatic events, such as war or natural disasters.
Symptoms
The two primary types of amnesia are:
Anterograde Amnesia – Inability to form new memories after the onset of amnesia.
Retrograde Amnesia – Inability to recall past events and previously known information.
Other symptoms may include:
False memories (confabulation) – Filling in memory gaps with inaccurate information.
Neurological issues – Difficulty processing information or confusion.
Causes & Risk Factors
Amnesia results from damage to brain structures that control memory and emotions. Common causes include:
Brain surgery, head injury, or trauma
Stroke
Alcohol abuse (linked to Korsakoff’s syndrome)
Seizures
Diagnosis
A mental health professional evaluates amnesia through:
Physical assessment – To rule out brain injuries or other conditions.
Cognitive tests – Assessing memory retention, recall, and learning ability.
Treatment & Management
Currently, no specific medication exists to cure most types of amnesia. However, treatment focuses on rehabilitation and coping strategies:
Therapies & Memory Aids
Occupational therapy – Helps patients learn new information to replace lost memories.
Memory training – Techniques to improve recall and cognitive function.
Assistive devices – Smartphones, electronic organizers, and notebooks for daily reminders.
Photographs & calendars – Visual aids to help with memory recall.
Sources and Links
To Learn more, visit:
www.idraac.org
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.com