Memory Disorders: What Could Cause Your Forgetfulness

The term "memory" refers to the process by which experiences or incidences are stored in the brain for recollection later. When certain disturbances or breakdowns in this process occur, it is called a memory disorder.

Cognitive disorders are prevalent in today’s world, and they seriously impact a person's focus, productivity, and even relationships. A healthier memory is vital for improving quality of life.

It's essential to observe the symptoms and identify the cause of forgetfulness and memory disorders so that you can get the right treatments on time.

What Is a Memory Disorder?

A memory disorder occurs when there is a suppression of cognition abilities owing to damage in certain parts of the brain (1)(2)(3). Individuals can experience deterioration in reasoning, communication, and decision-making that can hinder daily activities. Confusion, misplacing things, and vocabulary disturbances, are a few examples.

When there is a problem with information retention, storing, and recalling long-term memories specifically, it can be described as a memory processing disorder. Memory disorders can be mild or severe, as well as slow or immediate, depending on the cause and type.

Causes of Memory Disorders

There are many causes for memory disorders, such as:

• Age Cognitive decline, including memory loss, is natural in the aging process (4). Anxiety in elderly people can affect memory profoundly, further contributing to memory loss, confusion, and mood changes.
• Heredity Problems with memory can also occur through inherited genes. Examples are Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s.
• Trauma Physical head injuries owing to accidents, impactful incidences, and traumatic experiences can all result in memory loss or other cognitive impairments (5).
• Narrowing of cerebral arteries Blocked or narrowed brain arteries may result in less oxygen and blood flow to the brain—causing strokes—which, in turn, affect memory.
• Substance abuse Excessive indulgence in alcohol can impact memory (6). Even illegal drug addictions and frequent use of painkillers (NSAIDs) can trigger memory disorders.
• Infections or brain tumors Infections such as UTI (urinary tract infection), severe respiratory infections, and sepsis can result in brain impairments that affect memory. Brain tumors and their treatments can hamper cognitive functioning as well.
• Cardiovascular diseases When there is lowered blood circulation to the brain owing to a failing heart or other heart diseases, it results in impaired memory (7).
• Metabolic disorders Hormonal problems, diabetes, and others can affect memory functions.

• B12 deficiency Though all B vitamins are essential for good mental health, a deficiency of B12 can impact memory and lead to cognitive dementia (8)(9).

Types of Memory Disorders

There are many known types of memory disorders, such as:

1. Dementia

One of the most prevalent memory disorders, it primarily affects people above 60 years of age. It occurs when healthy brain nerve cells deteriorate and die. People with dementia exhibit reduced cognitive abilities that affect reasoning, memory recall, or communication.

Dementia can be of different types, namely:

• Alzheimer’s disease This is a progressive disease that occurs due to amyloid protein deposits and neurofibrillary tangles that affect nerve cells and lower brain signals. This results in difficulty in performing daily tasks and information retention, as well as personality changes, gait problems, and degenerative memory loss (10).

• Vascular dementia This can start gradually or occur suddenly. It is caused by previous strokes or head injuries that constrict blood flow and damage the brain. People with vascular dementia have difficulty understanding, following instructions, and using judgment (11).

• Dementia with Lewy bodies The second most progressive disorder after Alzheimer’s, this condition develops when abnormal protein clumps called Lewy bodies accumulate in the brain. The resulting chemical changes in the brain lead to a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning capabilities (12).

• Frontotemporal dementia This memory disorder is not common and may even be present in younger people. The condition is characterized by degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Primary progressive aphasia falls under this category. Individuals can have language inabilities, behavioral problems, and visible memory loss (13).

• Mixed dementia This type of dementia has a combination of two other types—Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia being the most common, while Alzheimer’s with Lewy bodies dementia is also possible. Symptoms vary depending on the type.

For info about dementia treatments, read Reversing Dementia Naturally: What the Research Says.

2. Mild Cognitive Impairment

This syndrome is characterized by gradual memory trouble with no interference in general cognitive abilities. Amnestic MCI and non-amnestic MCI are the two types. While amnestic MCI specifically affects memory, the latter affects reasoning and problem-solving. Some individuals are prone to progress further into Alzheimer’s or dementia (14).

3. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

This disorder is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine and formed in two stages. Wernick’s encephalopathy is the first, creating delirium and problems with gait and memory. The 2nd stage is Korsakoff syndrome, which affects memory significantly. Learning and retention become difficult, and impaired recent memory is the result (15).

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is time to seek the help of a doctor if you observe any of the following symptoms:

• Confusion regarding names of people, places, or time
• Consistent brain fog
• Repeatedly asking the same questions
• Expressing fear or anxiety frequently
• Misplacing things and not being able to recall
• Trouble following simple instructions or directions
• Communication problems, such as forgetting the right words while speaking
• Forgetting daily activities, such as maintaining personal hygiene or eating enough

Timely diagnosis can be done by a specialist based on causes and symptoms.