Many areas of the brain help you create and retrieve memories. A problem in any of these areas can lead to memory loss.

Normal aging can cause some forgetfulness. It is normal to have some trouble learning new material or needing more time to remember it. But normal aging does not lead to dramatic memory loss. Such memory loss is due to other diseases.

Memory loss may result from a new injury to the brain, which is caused by or is present after:

Sometimes, memory loss occurs with mental health problems, such as:

Memory loss may be a sign of dementia. Dementia also affects thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Common types of dementia associated with memory loss are:

Other causes of memory loss include:

 

Memory loss is unusual forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both. The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient). Or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time.

Alternative Names:

 

To properly diagnose memory loss, your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms and medical history. This will usually also include asking questions of family members and friends and they may be interviewed in-person or by phone.

Medical history questions may address:

Tests that may be done include: