Short Term Memory Loss Symptoms

Before going into the details, let me just tell you something about memory and the brain. Since the IQ of every person is different (some may have higher IQ, some may have lower IQ), and the functioning of memory and causes of and symptoms of its loss may vary from person to person. (Functioning of conscious brain is also different as no two personalities are same). So it has been very difficult for researchers to pin-point the exact nature of symptoms. In the following extract, I have tried to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this condition.

Causes

• Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression can cause chemical imbalance in the brain, which severely stresses the memory. Concentration is also affected, leading to this condition.
• Alzheimer's Disease: It is a very common cause for memory loss in older people. Alzheimer's disease leads to long-term memory loss as well.
• Mental Trauma: The brain naturally tries to suppress any traumatic experience. The central nervous system tries to erase some painful memories which sometimes leads to this condition.
• Brain Injury: Any injury to the frontal lobe of the brain can lead to short term memory loss.
• Substance Abuse: Over consumption of alcohol or having drugs like marijuana can lead to short term memory loss.

Associated Symptoms

• Dementia: This disease is progressive in nature. Dementia is characterized by incoherent thoughts and mental confusion.
• Vision Impairment: As I have said before, symptoms can vary from person to person. Vision impairment is such a symptom which may not be experienced by all, but when it does happen, be alarmed that it can be associated to memory loss.
• Diminished Cognitive Ability: Cognition is psychological result of the perception, learning and reasoning. Experience of diminished cognitive ability is a symptom which can be very traumatic.
• Impaired Muscular Coordination: This condition is most frequently seen in disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Impaired muscular coordination should not be taken lightly and you must immediately notify the doctor.

Treatment

• Mind Games: There are many games and brain exercises that can help you sharpen your memory (like trying memorize a list of items and remember them after a break of five minutes). They must be played as often as possible.
• Medication and Psychiatric Drugs: There are many drugs that can help improve your memory, but they have to be taken as prescribed by the doctor. After all, these drugs are directly affecting your central nervous system, so do take care while taking them. The person who is experiencing short term memory loss may suffer from many psychiatric problems as well. In such a case, his medication may involve psychiatric drugs.

Questions to be Asked to a Doctor

• Is my memory loss short term or long term?
• How significant is my memory loss?
• Am I having Alzheimer's Disease?
• What are the medical problems that I can experience?
• How will i know whether my memory loss is getting worse?

Short term memory loss in children is even more heart-breaking than in the case of adults. It is such a condition which should be monitored precisely. There are instances where short term memory loss can be cured. So never lose hope if you are facing this condition.