Memory loss can affect short-term memory, long-term memory, occur suddenly or gradually, be transient or permanent, be indicative of simple fatigue or serious neurological diseases.

There are many causes of memory loss, and it is important to see your doctor if in doubt. In addition, if a member of your entourage has memory loss without realizing it or without worrying about it, it is also important to get him or her to consult.

There are many conditions or illnesses that can lead to memory loss. If we think above all of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, it should be noted that memory loss can also be associated with benign or reversible diseases or situations, such as:

• taking certain medications (including antidepressants, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, anxiolytics or even antihistamines for allergies)
• fatigue and lack of sleep. It is a known phenomenon: fatigue, sleep apnea or chronic sleep deprivation can lead to reduced concentration and memory loss.
• stress and depression, traumatic events
• certain dietary deficiencies, especially vitamin B1 or B12
• the use of certain drugs, alcohol or tobacco

Head shocks (head trauma) linked to an accident or playing sports, for example, can also damage the brain and cause memory loss.

On the side of cerebral damage, cerebrovascular accidents (stroke, such as hemorrhage or oxygen deprivation in a part of the brain) can also be responsible for memory loss, in the short or long term.

Many other diseases can affect memory:

• brain tumour
• infections of the brain or meninges
• lack of oxygenation of the brain
• major surgery
• and of course, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, such as Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementias.

Memory loss happens occasionally to everyone, especially in cases of fatigue, stress, etc. There is therefore no need to worry about the slightest oversight. Memory is less reliable as we age, and this is also part of the normal aging process.

When these omissions have an impact on daily life, or they intensify, it is however important to consult your doctor. Memory loss can have harmful consequences on activities of daily living, on family life, and can even be life threatening (forgetting to turn off the stove, forgetting your address, etc.).

The solution obviously depends on the disease in question. The first step is to undergo a medical evaluation to “objectify” the loss of memory and to measure the extent of it.

Other symptoms may be detected during the exam, such as mixing up words, having trouble writing, problems with logical association, etc.

When memory loss is related to taking drugs or medication, withdrawal may be necessary. A change of molecule or a readjustment of doses may also be sufficient to resolve the problem. In the event of depression, pharmacological and / or psychological management will be necessary.

In cases where memory loss occurs after a head injury or stroke, rehabilitation (and time) may help to alleviate symptoms or relearn tasks that have been “forgotten”.

Finally, in the event of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there is unfortunately no effective treatment yet. Appropriate care, by a multidisciplinary team, will be able to offer the best support to the patient and his family.