Alternative Names
Forgetfulness; Amnesia; Impaired memory; Loss of memory
Definition of Memory loss:
Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness that can be caused by brain damage due to disease or injury, or it can be caused by severe emotional trauma.
Considerations:
The cause determines whether amnesia comes on slowly or suddenly, and whether it is temporary or permanent.
Normal aging may result in trouble learning new material or requiring longer time to recall learned material. However, it does not lead to dramatic memory loss unless diseases are involved.
