Symptoms of Short Term, Mild Memory Loss

short term memory loss

Memory loss can fall into two categories. It can either be short-term or long-term memory loss. Short-term memory loss, no matter how it is caused or brought on, includes memories that stem from the same area of the brain that handles working memory. It is generally coined as anterograde amnesia. Short-term memory typically includes, perhaps, what one ate for lunch that day, the recollection of a work meeting, or acquisition of new physical skills. Short-term memory loss ... Read More

Memory Loss Caused by Strokes

memory loss caused by strokes

Memory loss can be caused by a variety of things, but when you are dealing with memory loss caused by a stroke, you may have a more serious issue to attend to. According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in Americans, and can cause adult disabilities such as dementia. Strokes can be avoidable--they are typically caused by high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Other dietary causes may be salt intake and high fat intake. ... Read More

Causes of Sudden Memory Loss

causes of sudden memory loss

Memory loss can be frustrating, especially when it has a sudden onset. One of the main causes for memory loss and amnesias is a traumatic head injury. When you suffer from a concussion or some sort of physical injury to the brain, you may experience sudden memory loss. It may be either memory loss from your long-term memory or your short-term memory, and can be either permanent or temporary. When your brain swells from a physical injury, it can cause temporary ... Read More

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Confusion and Altered Alertness?

confusion

Everyone suffers from memory lapses and forgetfulness from time to time. But when does it become serious, and when should you consider seeking medical attention for your memory loss? The first thing people think of when they think of memory loss in older people is Alzheimer's Disease. But you should never jump to conclusions, and by understanding what might be causing your memory loss, and the severeness of the memory loss, you can help inform your doctor of what exactly you ... Read More

Drugs that Cause Memory Loss Due to Side Effects

memory loss from drugs

There are many reasons why one would experience memory loss, but in some cases, the reason for the short-term memory loss can be due to the use of certain drugs. Of course, recreational drugs, such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, and PCP are all drugs that can cause memory loss, either temporary or permanent, and can lead to more severe cases of amnesia. If you have been using any of these drugs, you may be experiencing memory loss as a result of use. ... Read More

How an MRI Assists a Doctor in Diagnosing Memory Disorders

MRI memory diagnosis

If a doctor determines that they need more information regarding your sudden or gradual increase in memory loss or lapses, they may determine that an MRI, or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging, test might be necessary. In conjunction with a CAT scan, and MRI can provide helpful information to a doctor that is attempting to diagnose a mental disorder or a doctor that is trying to fully understand the reasoning behind a patient's inability to maintain their short-term or long-term memory. An MRI ... Read More

Understanding Retrograde Amnesia

retrograde amnesia

There have been many movies in Hollywood that focus on instances of amnesia. Some movies, in fact, use amnesia as the main plot device, such as the movie Memento, 50 First Dates, and Clean Slate. But amnesia can be defined in a few different ways. The typical, or more well-known, form of amnesia is called retrograde amnesia. This is when after a specific event, someone has difficulty remembering past memories. For example, after a horrible car accident that causes ... Read More

Popular Acronyms Used to Remember Common Groupings

popular memory acronyms

You may notice that many things you learned in school used acronyms to help you remember them. And chances are many of them you may still recall to this day. For example, you may have had to remember the five Great Lakes in the United States. It is typical for people to remember them by using the acronym “HOMES”: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. Many people go their entire lives remembering this acronym, while forgetting other things ... Read More

Memory Supplements: DMAE (Dimethylethanolamine)

memory improvement with dmae

DMAE, which stands for dimethylethanolamine, is an organic compound that is used to enhance mental alertness and clear thinking. It is a supplement better known in Europe as the product “Deanol,” which has been used for decades to promote better cognitive functioning, lessen memory loss, and is even being used for skin health as well. Studies have been done on the nutrient DMAE for some 60 years, and was shown especially helpful for those patients dealing with age-related memory loss and mental ... Read More

Memorization Tips for Visual Learners

visual learning?

If you’re a visual learner, you may learn extremely well when dealing with material that you can visually see. Visual learners tend to be great spellers, but seem forgetful when it comes to things like remembering names or lists. They do, however, enjoy colors and fashion, learn best from charts and diagrams, and are typically quick to learn sign language as well, which shows that their brain processes information best when it is displayed to them. Visual learners can employ a ... Read More

Understanding Memory – “How” We Forget

how do we forget?

For many of us, the idea of our brain storing all of our memory can be a little difficult to wrap our heads around. However, the mechanics utilized in memory can help us understand exactly "how" we forget things. The storage and recollection of memory is quite a phenomenon that scientists are still in the process of fully comprehending, but they do know a few reasons as to why we forget. One reason is because once information is entered into our ... Read More

Improve Memory With Some Simple Lifestyle Changes

improve memory with lifestyle changes

Want some quick ways to easily reduce your risk for memory loss disorders and mental illnesses? Here are some quick lifestyle changes that you can make in order to salvage those brain cells! Eat Plenty of Fish. By adding more fish products in your diet, whether it be tuna, salmon, or sardines, you will benefit from Omega 3 fatty acids, which are high in DHA. DHA is linked to stimulating brain cells and has been shown to reduce and improve ... Read More

Understanding How an Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) Works

abbreviated mental test score

One common misunderstanding is the difference between mild memory loss and memory lapses and dementia. Dementia is considered a more serious issue, and deals with memory loss that is not typical of that conjoined with the natural stages of aging. Dementia typically affects those in the later stages of their life, such as the elderly, and needs to be assessed when it is suspected. When seeking medical assistance for dementia, you may notice the doctor performing a neurological exam called the ... Read More

Understanding Anterograde Amnesia

anterograde amnesia

Although people hear the term amnesia quite often, there is often a misunderstanding of a few key facts. You may be familiar with amnesic episodes, and know that when someone has amnesia, they suffer from a form of memory loss, either from an emotional, stressful situation (stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder) or from an injury or trauma to the head or brain. Amnesia can be broken into two parts--anterograde and retrograde. Retrograde amnesia is the loss of memory before a specific ... Read More