Amnesia Research

Amnesia is when you lose your memories and can't remember them, Amnesia can be very severe or only minor. Amnesia can be caused by a damage to the brain but it parts that are vital for memory processing. A temporary episode of memory loss is known as transient global amnesia which is a case of minor amnesia. Amnesia can also be permanent. There is no medical treatment for amnesia, but techniques are suggested to help enhance memory. Psychological support can also help.

The two main types of amnesia are:
Anterograde amnesia which is the impaired ability to learn new information following the onset of amnesia.
Retrograde amnesia which is the impaired ability to recall past events and previously familiar information.

Most people with amnesia have problems with short term memory - they can't retain new information, recent memories are most likely to be lost.

Causes of Amnesia
Amnesia caused by brain injury is known as neurological amnesia. possible causes are:

• Strokes
• Brain inflammation
• Lack of oxygen in the brain, e.g. heart attack, carbon monoxide poisoning or respiratory distress.
• Long term alcohol abuse
• Tumours in areas of the brain that control memory
• Seizures

This picture shows where amnesia and memory loss occurs.