Memory Loss Symptoms and Causes

Memory loss symptoms are generally noticeable to someone very close to and familiar with the affected person, but may largely go unnoticed by most others.



For this reason diagnosis can at times be very tough as it becomes hard to tell if the memory loss is normal forgetfulness or is caused by some condition, disease or brain damage. The general and accepted memory loss symptoms would include the inability to recall events in either the short term or long term, a memory loss that progressively worsens over time, irritation, confusion and even difficulty comprehending and completing tasks.



The symptoms are determined by the kind of memory loss, which depends on the cause.

Memory loss is a normal and accepted feature of the aging process. In normal circumstances however this kind of memory loss will not prevent you functioning normally and living a productive life.



This kind of memory loss just means that remembering a name or a recent task or event may be more challenging and require a lot more effort, and the affected person is in fact likely to be aware about his or her memory loss. On the other hand an individual suffering from a memory loss that is caused by conditions other than aging, like Alzheimer’s disease may sense that there is something wrong but will be unable to identify the cause of that feeling. They are in fact most likely to behave as if there is nothing wrong and avoid drawing any attention to a memory lapse.

Memory loss that is associated with Alzheimer's worsens significantly over time, but is not the only symptom. Some of the most common and early symptoms of Alzheimer's and other conditions that affect the memory are as follows:

1. The individual may ask or inquire about the same thing repeatedly.
2. The individual may at times find it tough to express himself, with problems finding the right words to use.
3. The individual may not be able to perform a familiar task despite the fact that he or she may have performed that very same task previously on numerous occasions without any flaws.
4. The individual may also display symptoms that are easy to mistake and regard as absent mindedness. For example the person may misplace items and often place them in inappropriate places, such as storing a wallet in the freezer.
5. Another alarming sign is that the individual may get lost while in familiar areas or in their own neighborhood.
6. The individual may also experience mood or behavioral changes for no apparent reason.

All of these memory loss symptoms could be indicative of a memory loss disorder that could be caused either by a disease like Alzheimer’s or due to brain damage from trauma or an injury.