Memory Loss
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Try one of these related symptoms.
I forget things easily
Problems remembering things
Always forget something
Keep forgetting things
Forget things quickly
Tend to forget words when I am talking
Forgetful
Memory lapse
About the Symptom
Forgetfulness is described as a memory lapse or inability to retrieve stored information in the brain that is unexpected or unusual.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Poor memory
Possible Causes
Generally, Memory loss can be related to:
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also known as mild or "pre-dementia" in which patients experience forgetfulness or other cognitive problems (such as issues with language or thinking) that do not prevent them from daily functioning. A small proportion of patients have MCI due to depression, medication side effects, sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea, low vitamin B12 levels or low thyroid function. Some controllable risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, as well as lack of mental stimulation. Patients with MCI have a high risk for developing dementia, which occurs in about 14% of cases.
- Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The brain shrinks, affecting memory and behavior. Symptoms worsen over time and can interfere with daily life. Increasing age raises the risk for Alzheimer dementia.
- Transient Global Amnesia
Transient global amnesia is the sudden, inability to form new memories that resolves within 24 hours, in the absence of a more common cause such as a stroke or seizure. During an episode, short-term memory is primarily affected. The cause is unknown, but triggers may include exposure to rapid changes in temperature, strenuous physical activity, sexual intercourse, breath-holding, or emotional distress.
- Progressive Subcortical Vascular Encephalopathy
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)
- Hydrocephalus
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Depression
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Memory loss may be related to these serious diseases:
- Chronic Subdural Hematoma
This refers to blood collecting in the space between the brain and the brain's outer covering (dura). It can be caused by even minor injuries or bumps to the head, particularly in those who are at increased risk. Older adults and those on certain blood-thinning medications or with bleeding disorders are at higher risk. Some people will have no or few symptoms but can develop more symptoms (confusion, headaches, personality changes) if it expands.
- Wernicke Encephalopathy
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you been experiencing memory problems recently?
- When did you first notice your poor memory?
- How is your poor memory now?
- How severe is your poor memory?
- Have you noticed or been told that you repeat the same questions over and over?
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
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- Tend to forget words when i am talking (forgetful)
- Asks the same question over and over again
- Repeatedly asks the same question
- I can't remember things
- Keeps asking the same question
- Cannot remember answers
- Forgets the answer
User Testimonials for Memory loss
Female, Teens
Ubie helped me obtain the right care I needed by its very detailed description of my symptoms and the possible conditions I could have. I was able to understand my symptoms before seeing a professional. The doctor is going to ask you for your symptoms, and I would've had a hard time describing them without Ubie. I had various symptoms such as forgetfulness, suicidal ideation, mania preceding a depressive episode, no motivation, feelings of grief, low self esteem, decreased energy levels, history of self harm, among others. I originally went to my doctor and she referred me to the psychiatrist. Ultimately, Ubie helped me find out what I don't know about myself, and that way I could get the help that I needed.
(Feb 25, 2025)
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FAQs
Q.
Can a stroke cause memory loss?
A.
Yes, a stroke can cause memory loss by damaging parts of the brain that help control memory and thinking.
References:
Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2021 Jun 18. Chapter 6. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571999/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571999/
Laari S, Turunen K, Kauranen T, Mustanoja S, Lahti-Pulkkinen M, Tatlisumak T, Poutiainen E. Memory decline in young stroke survivors during a 9-year follow-up: A cohort study. Front Neurol. 2022 Nov 25;13:1069686. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1069686. PMID: 36504659; PMCID: PMC9732240.
Al-Qazzaz NK, Ali SH, Ahmad SA, Islam S, Mohamad K. Cognitive impairment and memory dysfunction after a stroke diagnosis: a post-stroke memory assessment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014 Sep 9;10:1677-91. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S67184. PMID: 25228808; PMCID: PMC4164290.
Q.
Can ADHD cause memory loss?
A.
ADHD can lead to problems with working memory and short-term memory, but it does not usually cause long-term memory loss.
References:
Kofler MJ, Singh LJ, Soto EF, Chan ESM, Miller CE, Harmon SL, Spiegel JA. Working memory and short-term memory deficits in ADHD: A bifactor modeling approach. Neuropsychology. 2020 Sep;34(6):686-698. doi: 10.1037/neu0000641. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32437194; PMCID: PMC7483636.
Skodzik T, Holling H, Pedersen A. Long-Term Memory Performance in Adult ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2017 Feb;21(4):267-283. doi: 10.1177/1087054713510561. Epub 2016 Jul 28. PMID: 24232170.
Tien T, Xu X, Song J, Zhang X, Zhang D, Yuan H, Zhong F, Li J, Hu Y. Learning and Memory Impairments With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Physiol Res. 2024 Apr 30;73(2):205-216. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.935202. PMID: 38710050; PMCID: PMC11081185.
Q.
Can bipolar disorder cause memory loss?
A.
Bipolar disorder can sometimes cause memory loss. This happens because the mood swings and treatments may affect brain functions that help with memory.
References:
Sanches M, Bauer IE, Galvez JF, Zunta-Soares GB, Soares JC. The management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: current status and perspectives. Am J Ther. 2015 Nov-Dec;22(6):477-86. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000120. PMID: 25383489; PMCID: PMC4424179.
Vrabie M, Marinescu V, Talaşman A, Tăutu O, Drima E, Micluţia I. Cognitive impairment in manic bipolar patients: important, understated, significant aspects. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 25;14:41. doi: 10.1186/s12991-015-0080-0. PMID: 26609314; PMCID: PMC4659170.
Xu N, Huggon B, Saunders KEA. Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Impact of Pharmacological Treatment. CNS Drugs. 2020 Jan;34(1):29-46. doi: 10.1007/s40263-019-00688-2. PMID: 31808104.
Q.
Can COVID cause memory loss?
A.
Yes, Covid can sometimes cause memory problems, including trouble with working memory and recalling everyday tasks. Some studies have shown that people who had Covid may experience memory issues, but not everyone is affected.
References:
Hampshire A, Azor A, Atchison C, Trender W, Hellyer PJ, Giunchiglia V, Husain M, Cooke GS, Cooper E, Lound A, Donnelly CA, Chadeau-Hyam M, Ward H, Elliott P. Cognition and Memory after Covid-19 in a Large Community Sample. N Engl J Med. 2024 Feb 29;390(9):806-818. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2311330. PMID: 38416429; PMCID: PMC7615803.
Serrano Del Pueblo VM, Serrano-Heras G, Romero Sánchez CM, Landete PP, Rojas-Bartolome L, Feria I, Morris RGM, Strange B, Mansilla F, Zhang L, Castro-Robles B, Arias-Salazar L, López-López S, Payá M, Segura T, Muñoz-López M. Brain and cognitive changes in patients with long COVID compared with infection-recovered control subjects. Brain. 2024 Oct 3;147(10):3611-3623. doi: 10.1093/brain/awae101. PMID: 38562097.
Cui R, Gao B, Ge R, Li M, Li M, Lu X, Jiang S. The effects of COVID-19 infection on working memory: a systematic review. Curr Med Res Opin. 2024 Feb;40(2):217-227. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2286312. Epub 2024 Jan 24. PMID: 38008952.
Q.
Can depression cause memory loss?
A.
Depression can affect how well a person remembers things, causing memory problems in some people.
References:
Schweizer S, Kievit RA, Emery T; Cam-CAN; Henson RN. Symptoms of depression in a large healthy population cohort are related to subjective memory complaints and memory performance in negative contexts. Psychol Med. 2018 Jan;48(1):104-114. doi: 10.1017/S0033291717001519. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28625188; PMCID: PMC5729845.
Morimoto SS, Kanellopoulos D, Alexopoulos GS. Cognitive Impairment in Depressed Older Adults: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment. Psychiatr Ann. 2014 Mar 1;44(3):138-142. doi: 10.3928/00485713-20140306-05. PMID: 25821256; PMCID: PMC4376269.
James TA, Weiss-Cowie S, Hopton Z, Verhaeghen P, Dotson VM, Duarte A. Depression and episodic memory across the adult lifespan: A meta-analytic review. Psychol Bull. 2021 Nov;147(11):1184-1214. doi: 10.1037/bul0000344. PMID: 35238585; PMCID: PMC9464351.
Q.
Can excessive masturbation cause memory loss?
A.
There is no clear evidence that excessive masturbation directly causes memory loss. Other factors, like stress or guilt, may affect memory, but current studies do not show a direct link.
References:
Wright H, Jenks RA. Sex on the brain! Associations between sexual activity and cognitive function in older age. Age Ageing. 2016 Mar;45(2):313-7. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afv197. Epub 2016 Jan 28. PMID: 26826237; PMCID: PMC4776624
Albobali Y, Madi MY. Masturbatory Guilt Leading to Severe Depression. Cureus. 2021 Mar 1;13(3):e13626. doi: 10.7759/cureus.13626. PMID: 33816025; PMCID: PMC8011625.
Aneja J, Grover S, Avasthi A, Mahajan S, Pokhrel P, Triveni D. Can masturbatory guilt lead to severe psychopathology: a case series. Indian J Psychol Med. 2015 Jan-Mar;37(1):81-6. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.150848. PMID: 25722518; PMCID: PMC4341317.
Q.
Can marijuana cause memory loss?
A.
Marijuana can cause temporary memory loss, especially affecting short-term and working memory. Studies have shown that the THC in marijuana can alter brain functions that help store and recall information.
References:
Volkow ND, Baler RD, Compton WM, Weiss SR. Adverse health effects of marijuana use. N Engl J Med. 2014 Jun 5;370(23):2219-27. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1402309. PMID: 24897085; PMCID: PMC4827335.
Maynard M, Paulson D, Dunn M, Dvorak RD. Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Immediate, Delayed, and Working Memory Performance Among Older Adults. Cannabis. 2023 Jul 5;6(2):22-29. doi: 10.26828/cannabis/2023/000153. PMID: 37484047; PMCID: PMC10361803.
Hindocha C, Freeman TP, Xia JX, Shaban NDC, Curran HV. Acute memory and psychotomimetic effects of cannabis and tobacco both 'joint' and individually: a placebo-controlled trial. Psychol Med. 2017 Nov;47(15):2708-2719. doi: 10.1017/S0033291717001222. Epub 2017 May 31. PMID: 28558859; PMCID: PMC5647681.
Q.
Can memory loss from high blood pressure be reversed?
A.
Memory loss from high blood pressure may improve with proper care and treatment, but it might not completely go away.
References:
Ungvari Z, Toth P, Tarantini S, Prodan CI, Sorond F, Merkely B, Csiszar A. Hypertension-induced cognitive impairment: from pathophysiology to public health. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2021 Oct;17(10):639-654. doi: 10.1038/s41581-021-00430-6. Epub 2021 Jun 14. PMID: 34127835; PMCID: PMC8202227.
Iadecola C, Yaffe K, Biller J, Bratzke LC, Faraci FM, Gorelick PB, Gulati M, Kamel H, Knopman DS, Launer LJ, Saczynski JS, Seshadri S, Zeki Al Hazzouri A; American Heart Association Council on Hypertension; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research; and Stroke Council. Impact of Hypertension on Cognitive Function: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension. 2016 Dec;68(6):e67-e94. doi: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000053. Epub 2016 Oct 10. PMID: 27977393; PMCID: PMC5361411.
Canavan M, O'Donnell MJ. Hypertension and Cognitive Impairment: A Review of Mechanisms and Key Concepts. Front Neurol. 2022 Feb 4;13:821135. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.821135. PMID: 35185772; PMCID: PMC8855211.
Q.
Can PTSD cause memory loss?
A.
Yes, PTSD can lead to problems with memory. Research shows that people with PTSD may have difficulty remembering important details and events, both from the trauma and from everyday life.
References:
Flatt JD, Gilsanz P, Quesenberry CP Jr, Albers KB, Whitmer RA. Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among members of a health care delivery system. Alzheimers Dement. 2018 Jan;14(1):28-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.04.014. Epub 2017 Jun 13. PMID: 28627380; PMCID: PMC5729063.
Brewin CR. Memory and Forgetting. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2018 Aug 28;20(10):87. doi: 10.1007/s11920-018-0950-7. PMID: 30155780; PMCID: PMC6132786.
Petzold M, Bunzeck N. Impaired episodic memory in PTSD patients - A meta-analysis of 47 studies. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 28;13:909442. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909442. PMID: 36245884; PMCID: PMC9553990.
Q.
Can seizures cause memory loss?
A.
Seizures can sometimes lead to memory loss by affecting the way the brain records and stores memories. The memory issues may be temporary or last longer, depending on the individual and the type of seizure.
References:
Novak A, Vizjak K, Rakusa M. Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy. J Clin Med. 2022 Jan 5;11(1):267. doi: 10.3390/jcm11010267. PMID: 35012007; PMCID: PMC8746065.
Naik AA, Sun H, Williams CL, Weller DS, Julius Zhu J, Kapur J. Mechanism of seizure-induced retrograde amnesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2021 May;200:101984. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101984. Epub 2020 Dec 31. PMID: 33388373; PMCID: PMC8026600.
Sekimoto M, Muramatsu R, Kato M, Onuma T. Clinical and neuropsychological changes after the disappearance of seizures in a case of transient epileptic amnesia. Epilepsy Behav Case Rep. 2017 Jan 29;7:54-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2017.01.002. PMID: 28409114; PMCID: PMC5379913.
Q.
Can suppressing emotions cause memory loss?
A.
Suppressing emotions usually does not cause overall memory loss but can make some specific memories harder to recall or less detailed.
References:
Hu X, Bergström ZM, Gagnepain P, Anderson MC. Suppressing Unwanted Memories Reduces Their Unintended Influences. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2017 Apr;26(2):197-206. doi: 10.1177/0963721417689881. Epub 2017 Apr 6. PMID: 28458471; PMCID: PMC5390940.
Moore SA, Zoellner LA. The Effects of Expressive and Experiential Suppression on Memory Accuracy and Memory Distortion in Women with and Without PTSD. J Exp Psychopathol. 2012 Apr 23;3(3):368-392. doi: 10.5127/jep.024411. PMID: 23308337; PMCID: PMC3539718.
Engen HG, Anderson MC. Memory Control: A Fundamental Mechanism of Emotion Regulation. Trends Cogn Sci. 2018 Nov;22(11):982-995. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2018.07.015. Epub 2018 Aug 16. PMID: 30122359; PMCID: PMC6198111.
Q.
Can trauma cause memory loss?
A.
Yes, trauma can lead to memory loss. This can happen from a physical injury to the brain or from intense stress that affects how our mind processes memories.
References:
Paterno R, Folweiler KA, Cohen AS. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Memory Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017 Jul;17(7):52. doi: 10.1007/s11910-017-0762-x. PMID: 28500417; PMCID: PMC5861722.
Petzold M, Bunzeck N. Impaired episodic memory in PTSD patients - A meta-analysis of 47 studies. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 28;13:909442. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909442. PMID: 36245884; PMCID: PMC9553990.
Brewin CR. Memory and Forgetting. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2018 Aug 28;20(10):87. doi: 10.1007/s11920-018-0950-7. PMID: 30155780; PMCID: PMC6132786.
Q.
Does anaesthesia cause memory loss?
A.
Some people, especially older adults, may experience short-term memory problems after surgery with anesthesia, but these issues are usually temporary. Memory loss isn't a guaranteed effect of anesthesia itself—many factors can influence it.
References:
Vacas S, Cole DJ, Cannesson M. Cognitive Decline Associated With Anesthesia and Surgery in Older Patients. JAMA. 2021 Aug 2:10.1001/jama.2021.4773. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.4773. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34338712; PMCID: PMC8807795.
Amiri AA, Karvandian K, Ramezani N, Amiri AA. Short-term memory impairment in patients undergoing general anesthesia and its contributing factors. Saudi J Anaesth. 2020 Oct-Dec;14(4):454-458. doi: 10.4103/sja.SJA_651_19. Epub 2020 Sep 24. PMID: 33447186; PMCID: PMC7796728.
Patel D, Lunn AD, Smith AD, Lehmann DJ, Dorrington KL. Cognitive decline in the elderly after surgery and anaesthesia: results from the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) cohort. Anaesthesia. 2016 Oct;71(10):1144-52. doi: 10.1111/anae.13571. Epub 2016 Aug 8. PMID: 27501155; PMCID: PMC5213281.
Q.
Does epilepsy cause memory loss?
A.
Epilepsy can sometimes affect memory, especially long-term memory, with problems related to the location of the seizures and the age when epilepsy started.
References:
Tramoni-Negre E, Lambert I, Bartolomei F, Felician O. Long-term memory deficits in temporal lobe epilepsy. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2017 Jul-Aug;173(7-8):490-497. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.06.011. Epub 2017 Aug 31. PMID: 28838789.
Rayner G, Jackson GD, Wilson SJ. Mechanisms of memory impairment in epilepsy depend on age at disease onset. Neurology. 2016 Oct 18;87(16):1642-1649. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003231. Epub 2016 Sep 16. PMID: 27638925; PMCID: PMC5085077.
Höller Y, Michaelis R, Trinka E, Jacobs J. Editorial: Effects of epilepsy on memory-Therapeutic implications, biomarkers, and comorbidities. Front Neurol. 2023 Feb 9;14:1140941. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1140941. PMID: 36846151; PMCID: PMC9948013.
Q.
Does melatonin cause memory loss?
A.
Studies in animals have shown that melatonin may help protect memory rather than cause memory loss. Research using rat models of Alzheimer's disease found that melatonin can lessen memory problems and reduce brain changes linked to memory loss.
References:
Rudnitskaya EA, Muraleva NA, Maksimova KY, Kiseleva E, Kolosova NG, Stefanova NA. Melatonin Attenuates Memory Impairment, Amyloid-β Accumulation, and Neurodegeneration in a Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;47(1):103-16. doi: 10.3233/JAD-150161. PMID: 26402759.
Andrade MK, Souza LC, Azevedo EM, Bail EL, Zanata SM, Andreatini R, Vital MABF. Melatonin reduces β-amyloid accumulation and improves short-term memory in streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer's disease model. IBRO Neurosci Rep. 2023 Jan 26;14:264-272. doi: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.01.005. PMID: 36926592; PMCID: PMC10011440.
Zakaria R, Ahmad AH, Othman Z. The Potential Role of Melatonin on Memory Function: Lessons from Rodent Studies. Folia Biol (Praha). 2016;62(5):181-187. doi: 10.14712/fb2016062050181. PMID: 27978412.
Q.
Does menopause cause memory loss?
A.
Menopause can bring changes in memory, often called “brain fog,” but it usually does not cause serious or permanent memory loss.
References:
Conde DM, Verdade RC, Valadares ALR, Mella LFB, Pedro AO, Costa-Paiva L. Menopause and cognitive impairment: A narrative review of current knowledge. World J Psychiatry. 2021 Aug 19;11(8):412-428. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i8.412. PMID: 34513605; PMCID: PMC8394691.
Echeverria V, Echeverria F, Barreto GE, Echeverría J, Mendoza C. Estrogenic Plants: to Prevent Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss and Other Symptoms in Women After Menopause. Front Pharmacol. 2021 May 20;12:644103. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644103. PMID: 34093183; PMCID: PMC8172769.
Zhu C, Thomas EH, Li Q, Arunogiri S, Thomas N, Gurvich C. Evaluation of the Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised in a menopausal population: understanding the brain fog during menopause. Menopause. 2023 Nov 1;30(11):1147-1156. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002256. Epub 2023 Oct 2. PMID: 37788429.
Q.
Does multiple sclerosis (MS) cause memory loss?
A.
MS can sometimes cause memory problems by affecting brain areas needed for memory, though not everyone with MS experiences this.
References:
Benedict RHB, Amato MP, DeLuca J, Geurts JJG. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: clinical management, MRI, and therapeutic avenues. Lancet Neurol. 2020 Oct;19(10):860-871. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30277-5. Epub 2020 Sep 16. PMID: 32949546; PMCID: PMC10011205.
Taylor LA, Mhizha-Murira JR, Smith L, Potter KJ, Wong D, Evangelou N, Lincoln NB, das Nair R. Memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Oct 18;10(10):CD008754. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008754.pub4. PMID: 34661282; PMCID: PMC8521643.
Hulst HE, Schoonheim MM, Van Geest Q, Uitdehaag BM, Barkhof F, Geurts JJ. Memory impairment in multiple sclerosis: Relevance of hippocampal activation and hippocampal connectivity. Mult Scler. 2015 Nov;21(13):1705-12. doi: 10.1177/1352458514567727. Epub 2015 Feb 13. PMID: 25680986.
Q.
Does parkinson’s cause memory loss?
A.
Parkinson's mainly affects movement, but as the disease progresses, some people can also experience memory problems. Not everyone with Parkinson's will have memory loss, and the extent of memory issues can vary widely.
References:
Hanagasi HA, Tufekcioglu Z, Emre M. Dementia in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci. 2017 Mar 15;374:26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.01.012. Epub 2017 Jan 5. PMID: 28088312.
Aarsland D, Batzu L, Halliday GM, Geurtsen GJ, Ballard C, Ray Chaudhuri K, Weintraub D. Parkinson disease-associated cognitive impairment. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021 Jul 1;7(1):47. doi: 10.1038/s41572-021-00280-3. Erratum in: Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021 Jul 13;7(1):53. doi: 10.1038/s41572-021-00292-z. PMID: 34210995.
Lee EY. Memory Deficits in Parkinson's Disease Are Associated with Impaired Attentional Filtering and Memory Consolidation Processes. J Clin Med. 2023 Jul 10;12(14):4594. doi: 10.3390/jcm12144594. PMID: 37510708; PMCID: PMC10380592.
Q.
Is it common to have memory loss in the postpartum?
A.
Some new moms can feel a little forgetful after giving birth, and usually not a sign of a serious problem. Severe memory loss is not very common.
References:
Pieters S, Brett BE, Beijers R, Kessels RPC, de Weerth C. Working memory from pregnancy to postpartum: Do women really change? Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2021 Apr;126:105169. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105169. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33611134.
Qiu T, Wen H, Liu ZX, Pan XP, Zeng T. Investigation Regarding Early Cognitive Function of Women in the Postpartum Period and the Analysis of Influencing Factors. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021 Sep 10;14:3747-3754. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S309553. PMID: 34531692; PMCID: PMC8439967.
Zheng JX, Ge L, Chen H, Yin X, Chen YC, Tang WW. Disruption within brain default mode network in postpartum women without depression. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 May;99(18):e20045. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020045. PMID: 32358387; PMCID: PMC7440189.
Q.
Is it common to have short-term memory loss after a hit to the head?
A.
Yes, it is common to have short-term memory problems after a head injury, and many people find that these memory issues can get better over time with proper care.
References:
Rabinowitz AR, Levin HS. Cognitive sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;37(1):1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.11.004. Epub 2014 Jan 14. PMID: 24529420; PMCID: PMC3927143.
Paterno R, Folweiler KA, Cohen AS. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Memory Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017 Jul;17(7):52. doi: 10.1007/s11910-017-0762-x. PMID: 28500417; PMCID: PMC5861722.
Abdul Razak LH, Denis T, Murugiah Y, Yoong WK, Idris Z, Senik MH. The Effect of Traumatic Brain Injury on Memory. Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):52-74. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.4. Epub 2024 Jun 27. PMID: 38984242; PMCID: PMC11229567.
Q.
Is it possible to restore memory loss after seizure?
A.
Memory loss after a seizure can improve in some people with time and proper treatment. Recovery depends on factors like where the seizure occurred and the interventions used.
References:
Bauman K, Devinsky O, Liu AA. Temporal lobe surgery and memory: Lessons, risks, and opportunities. Epilepsy Behav. 2019 Dec;101(Pt A):106596. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106596. Epub 2019 Nov 9. PMID: 31711868; PMCID: PMC6885125.
Höller Y, Höhn C, Schwimmbeck F, Plancher G, Trinka E. Effects of Antiepileptic Drug Tapering on Episodic Memory as Measured by Virtual Reality Tests. Front Neurol. 2020 Feb 20;11:93. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00093. PMID: 32153492; PMCID: PMC7045343.
Das R, Luczak A. Epileptic seizures and link to memory processes. AIMS Neurosci. 2022 Mar 7;9(1):114-127. doi: 10.3934/Neuroscience.2022007. PMID: 35434278; PMCID: PMC8941196.
Q.
Is memory loss from antidepressants permanent?
A.
Memory loss from antidepressants is usually not permanent. Many people find that any memory issues improve after the medication is stopped or the dose is changed.
References:
Saczynski JS, Rosen AB, McCammon RJ, Zivin K, Andrade SE, Langa KM, Vijan S, Pirraglia PA, Briesacher BA. Antidepressant Use and Cognitive Decline: The Health and Retirement Study. Am J Med. 2015 Jul;128(7):739-46. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.01.007. Epub 2015 Jan 30. PMID: 25644319; PMCID: PMC4618694.
Schulkens JE, Deckers K, Jenniskens M, Blokland A, Verhey FR, Sobczak S. The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review. J Psychopharmacol. 2022 May;36(5):578-593. doi: 10.1177/02698811221080462. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PMID: 35486412; PMCID: PMC9112622.
Wang C, Gao S, Hendrie HC, Kesterson J, Campbell NL, Shekhar A, Callahan CM. Antidepressant Use in the Elderly Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Dementia. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2016 Apr-Jun;30(2):99-104. doi: 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000103. PMID: 26295747; PMCID: PMC4760914.
Q.
What are the 5 worst foods for memory loss?
A.
Foods that are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and heavy processing may hurt brain function over time and increase the risk of memory loss.
References:
Hu N, Yu JT, Tan L, Wang YL, Sun L, Tan L. Nutrition and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:524820. doi: 10.1155/2013/524820. Epub 2013 Jun 20. PMID: 23865055; PMCID: PMC3705810.
Melo van Lent D, Samieri C, Grodstein F, Seshadri S. Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern Scores Are Not Associated with Worse Cognitive Performance in the Nurses' Health Study. J Nutr. 2022 Nov;152(11):2526-2533. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxac157. Epub 2022 Jul 26. PMID: 36774118; PMCID: PMC9644169.
Beilharz JE, Maniam J, Morris MJ. Diet-Induced Cognitive Deficits: The Role of Fat and Sugar, Potential Mechanisms and Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients. 2015 Aug 12;7(8):6719-38. doi: 10.3390/nu7085307. PMID: 26274972; PMCID: PMC4555146.
Q.
What are the drugs that cause memory loss?
A.
Some drugs can affect how well we remember things. Medicines like benzodiazepines, drugs with anticholinergic effects, opioids, and certain antidepressants have been linked with memory problems.
References:
Hafez G, Malyszko J, Golenia A, Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, Ferreira AC, Arıcı M, Bruchfeld A, Nitsch D, Massy ZA, Pépin M, Capasso G, Mani LY, Liabeuf S; CONNECT Action (Cognitive Decline in Nephro-Neurology European Cooperative Target). Drugs with a negative impact on cognitive functions (Part 2): drug classes to consider while prescribing in CKD patients. Clin Kidney J. 2023 Sep 18;16(12):2378-2392. doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfad239. PMID: 38046029; PMCID: PMC10689198.
Shinohara M, Yamada M. [Drug-induced Cognitive Impairment]. Brain Nerve. 2016 Apr;68(4):421-8. Japanese. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416200415. PMID: 27056860.
Chavant F, Favrelière S, Lafay-Chebassier C, Plazanet C, Pérault-Pochat MC. Memory disorders associated with consumption of drugs: updating through a case/noncase study in the French PharmacoVigilance Database. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;72(6):898-904. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04009.x. PMID: 21557759; PMCID: PMC3244635.
Q.
What causes short-term memory loss in young adults?
A.
Short-term memory loss in young adults can happen because of several reasons like injuries to the brain, stress, sleep loss, congenital heart issues, or learning differences such as ADHD. These causes can disrupt how the brain processes and remembers information.
References:
Updated 2024 Jun 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545136/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545136/
Pike NA, Woo MA, Poulsen MK, Evangelista W, Faire D, Halnon NJ, Lewis AB, Kumar R. Predictors of Memory Deficits in Adolescents and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Compared to Healthy Controls. Front Pediatr. 2016 Oct 31;4:117. doi: 10.3389/fped.2016.00117. PMID: 27843890; PMCID: PMC5086579.
Kofler MJ, Singh LJ, Soto EF, Chan ESM, Miller CE, Harmon SL, Spiegel JA. Working memory and short-term memory deficits in ADHD: A bifactor modeling approach. Neuropsychology. 2020 Sep;34(6):686-698. doi: 10.1037/neu0000641. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32437194; PMCID: PMC7483636.
Q.
Which blood pressure medications cause memory loss?
A.
Some blood pressure medicines—especially older ones like certain beta blockers and centrally acting agents (for example, reserpine)—have been linked to memory loss, though not everyone experiences this side effect.
References:
Marvanova M. Drug-induced cognitive impairment: Effect of cardiovascular agents. Ment Health Clin. 2016 Jun 29;6(4):201-206. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.07.201. PMID: 29955471; PMCID: PMC6007720.
Yang W, Luo H, Ma Y, Si S, Zhao H. Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Hypertension: A Review. Aging Dis. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):841-851. doi: 10.14336/AD.2020.1111. PMID: 34094646; PMCID: PMC8139194.
Ho JK, Moriarty F, Manly JJ, Larson EB, Evans DA, Rajan KB, Hudak EM, Hassan L, Liu E, Sato N, Hasebe N, Laurin D, Carmichael PH, Nation DA. Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Renin-Angiotensin Drugs and Cognition in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis. Hypertension. 2021 Sep;78(3):629-643. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17049. Epub 2021 Jun 21. PMID: 34148364; PMCID: PMC9009861.
Q.
Which statins cause memory loss?
A.
Current research does not prove that one specific statin causes memory loss, but some studies hint that lipophilic statins like atorvastatin may be linked to memory issues in some people. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship.
References:
Samaras K, Brodaty H, Sachdev PS. Does statin use cause memory decline in the elderly? Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2016 Aug;26(6):550-65. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2016.03.009. Epub 2016 Mar 28. PMID: 27177529.
Chen K, Chen Y, Huang H. Exploring the Relationship Between Atorvastatin and Memory Loss: A Comprehensive Analysis Integrating Real-World Pharmacovigilance and Mendelian Randomization. Drugs R D. 2024 Jun;24(2):317-329. doi: 10.1007/s40268-024-00474-6. Epub 2024 Jul 4. PMID: 38963511; PMCID: PMC11315864.
Schultz BG, Patten DK, Berlau DJ. The role of statins in both cognitive impairment and protection against dementia: a tale of two mechanisms. Transl Neurodegener. 2018 Feb 27;7:5. doi: 10.1186/s40035-018-0110-3. PMID: 29507718; PMCID: PMC5830056.
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Cooper C, Bebbington P, Lindesay J, Meltzer H, McManus S, Jenkins R, Livingston G. The meaning of reporting forgetfulness: a cross-sectional study of adults in the English 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Age Ageing. 2011 Nov;40(6):711-7. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afr121. Epub 2011 Sep 6. PMID: 21896556.
https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/40/6/711/47265Kirshner HS, Gifford KA. Intellectual and memory impairments. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 7.
Oyebode F. Disturbance of memory. In: Oyebode F, ed. Sims' Symptoms in the Mind: Textbook of Descriptive Psychopathology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 5.