Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both. The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient). Or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time. In severe cases, such memory impairment may interfere with daily living activities.
Normal aging can cause some forgetfulness. It is normal to have some trouble learning new material or needing more time to remember it. But normal aging does not lead to dramatic memory loss. Such memory loss is due to other diseases.
Memory loss can be caused by many things. To determine a cause, your health care provider will ask if the problem came on suddenly or slowly. Many areas of the brain help you create and retrieve memories. A problem in any of these areas can lead to memory loss.
Dementia is not a specific disease, but a range of symptoms associated with memory or thinking problems severe enough to affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Consulting a doctor at an early stage is critical to allow for treatment and planning. If you have dementia, it’s important to find out what type it is because treatments and symptoms can vary. The four most common types of dementia are:
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Vascular dementia.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies.
• Frontotemporal dementia.
Signs of dementia can vary greatly. Examples include:
• Problems with short-term memory.
• Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
• Paying bills.
• Planning and preparing meals.
• Remembering appointments.
• Traveling out of the neighborhood.
Many conditions are progressive, which means that the signs of dementia start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them. See a doctor soon to determine the cause. Professional evaluation may detect a treatable condition. And even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and provides an opportunity to volunteer for clinical trials or studies. It also provides time to plan for the future.