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Memory Loss

It is easy to forget a name, an appointment, or the location of an item. This type of forgetfulness happens in normal persons. Common causes of this kind of memory loss include:

• loss of concentration

• stress

• lack of sleep

• low blood sugar

• alcohol or drug use

• side effects of medications or

• an under-active thyroid gland

A sudden memory loss or forgetting of past events is called acute memory loss. This can be more serious and may be caused by:

• head injury

• infection such as meningitis

• long-lasting or repeating illness

• a change in blood flow to the brain and

• epilepsy

Memory may or may not return to normal after these conditions are corrected.

A slow and longer lasting change in memory is called chronic memory loss. It can be permanent. Causes for this are:

• diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and AIDS

• stroke or diabetes-related nerve damage and

• mental illness such as depression

Keep the mind active by reading, studying, working, or similar activities. This can improve concentration. Anyone with sudden, constant, or increasing memory loss needs medical evaluation.

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