Long Term Memory Loss Causes

While aging is believed to be one of the most common long term memory loss causes, there could be other factors that might be responsible for one's inability to remember events from recent or remote past. In medical terminology, the condition wherein one's ability to recall moments or events from the past is adversely affected, is referred to as amnesia. As we age, some of us might have trouble recalling small details and events, however, sudden or dramatic memory loss is generally associated with certain medical conditions. Amnesia is often classified on the basis of the time span, or the nature of the memory loss. Memory loss might be categorized into temporary or permanent. If one's ability to remember the events that occurred very recently, is adversely affected, one is said to suffer from short-term memory loss. Diminishing cognitive function and the consequent confusion or incoherence of thoughts due to this condition can surely cause a great deal of problems.

Long term memory, as the name suggests, is a condition, wherein we cannot recall the meaningful memories that we make a conscious attempt to retain. Long term memory comprises data that has a great impact on our ability to perceive things. It is basically due to their content or meaningful association, that these memories are stored for a longer duration. Though these memories might start fading with time, but one might suffer from long term memory loss as a result of certain disorders. Long term memory loss symptoms include the inability to remember necessary things, such as word meanings and semantics or important dates. Such people find it hard to perform routine tasks that they were very much familiar with. Wondering, what are the causes of long term memory loss? Here are some of the common long term memory causes.

What Causes Long Term Memory Loss?

Long term memory comprises a large amount of information that has been stored for a significantly long time period. There are some events that remain alive in our memory for almost our entire lives. These memories are placed in the long term memory storage due to their significance or through rehearsal. At times, one's ability to recall the long term memories might get affected. Given below is some information on the reasons behind long term memory loss.

Aging
The mental activity of recalling what you have learned or experienced is attributed to a complex process. Various parts of the brain is involved in this process. Cerebral cortex, amygdala and hippocampus are some of the areas that are involved. The communication between the neurons also plays a vital role in the retention of memory. At times, the working of the brain might get affected due to the normal process of aging. The neurotransmitters and their receptors might not be able to perform their tasks due to the loss of neurons. As a result, the brain might not be able to retain or retrieve information properly. The deterioration of the brain cells could be responsible for the difficulty one might experience in recalling past events.

Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injury is one of the most common causes of long-term memory loss. It is the brain where the process of acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of information takes place. If any part of the brain is damaged due to an injury, one might suffer from sudden memory loss. Though people might experience short term memory loss due to a concussion, however, in event of severe damage to the brain, one might even suffer from permanent memory loss.

Medical Conditions
Neurodegenerative diseases are diseases associated with the progressive loss of structure, function or even death of neurons. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia and Parkinson's disease are some of the conditions that could be responsible for memory loss. The onset of such diseases might be marked by short term memory loss, but with the progression of the disease, the patient might also suffer from long term memory loss. Besides neurodegenerative diseases, brain infection, brain tumor or epilepsy could also be responsible for causing memory loss. Those who have been under stress for a prolonged period of time could also suffer from temporary long term memory loss.

Substance Abuse
Drug abuse or alcoholism could also have an adverse impact on one's mental health. Substance abuse is one of the common causes of short term or long term memory loss in young adults. Use of illicit drugs can impair the normal functioning of the neurotransmitters. Those who indulge in heavy drinking could also suffer from a type of dementia known as Wernickle-Korsakoff's syndrome. This could cause impairment of one's cognitive skills and lead to memory loss. Use of certain prescription drugs for a prolonged period of time might also be associated with memory-related problems. Studies reveal that the use of statins and memory loss is interrelated.

Since long term memory loss can be caused by a wide range of reasons, diagnosis of the underlying cause is the key to the memory loss treatment. If a person is exhibiting the symptoms of long term memory loss, doctors often conduct cognitive tests along with other diagnostic tests so as to ascertain the underlying cause. The treatment generally involves the use of memory loss medication. One can also perform memory improvement exercises. Besides trying memory enhancement methods, one should also follow a healthy diet and get adequate sleep. These will definitely prove beneficial in the treatment of memory loss.