what are the causes of sudden memory loss?
535431
['Alcohol or use of prescription or illegal drugs.', 'Brain infections such as Lyme disease, syphilis, or HIV/AIDS.', 'Overuse of medicines, such as barbiturates or (hypnotics)', 'ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) (most often short-term memory loss)', 'Epilepsy that is not well controlled.']
1332245
["Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. ... ", 'Vascular dementia. This second most common type of dementia is caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to your brain. ... ', 'Lewy body dementia. ... ', 'Frontotemporal dementia. ... ', 'Mixed dementia.']
1404949
Temporary reduction of cerebral blood flow occurs with syncope, including to regions which control memory such as the hippocampus and reticular activating system. The relevance of amnesia in the setting of neurally mediated syncope is important in the context of unexplained falls particularly in older adults.
72337
['Memory loss. ... ', 'Difficulty performing familiar tasks. ... ', 'Problems with language. ... ', 'Disorientation to time and place. ... ', 'Poor or decreased judgement. ... ', 'Problems with keeping track of things. ... ', 'Misplacing things. ... ', 'Changes in mood or behaviour.']
355636
Stress can cause acute and chronic changes in certain brain areas which can cause long-term damage. Over-secretion of stress hormones most frequently impairs long-term delayed recall memory, but can enhance short-term, immediate recall memory. This enhancement is particularly relative in emotional memory.
882525
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode during which parts of the brain do not receive enough blood. Because the blood supply is restored quickly, brain tissue is not permanently damaged. These attacks are often early warning signs of a stroke, however. In rare cases, TIA can cause memory loss.
1372558
Memory loss and amnesia are two very common short-term side effects of excessive drinking. Binge drinking can cause you to blackout and while you may appear awake and alert, you have no idea what happened the next day. Your short-term memory can start to be affected after only a few drinks, in some cases.
406638
One of the hallmarks of early stage Alzheimer's disease is short-term memory loss. Those with the disease lose the ability to perform routine tasks. Keep in mind that while AD affects memory, but it involves far more than simple forgetfulness.
569081
Tranquilizers, antidepressants, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications can affect memory, usually by causing sedation or confusion. That can make it difficult to pay close attention to new things. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that a new medication is taking the edge off your memory.
1122605
Depression has been linked to memory problems, such as forgetfulness or confusion. It can also make it difficult to focus on work or other tasks, make decisions, or think clearly. Stress and anxiety can also lead to poor memory. Depression is associated with short-term memory loss.
1250507
Everyone experiences memory loss from time to time. As we age, our memories might get even fuzzier, but when memory loss interferes with normal functioning, it's called dementia. Memory loss is more common in older stroke survivors.
583061
['memory loss.', 'difficulty concentrating.', 'finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping.', 'struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word.', 'being confused about time and place.', 'mood changes.']
306410
['Memory loss. Declining memory, especially short-term memory, is the most common early symptom of dementia. ... ', 'Difficulty performing familiar tasks. ... ', 'Problems with language. ... ', 'Disorientation to time and place. ... ', 'Poor or decreased judgement. ... ', 'Problems with keeping track of things. ... ', 'Misplacing things. ... ', 'Changes in mood or behaviour.']
180110
['Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.', 'Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.', 'Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.', 'Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.', 'Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.']
1178837
['Confusion.', 'Poor motor coordination.', 'Loss of short-term or long-term memory.', 'Identity confusion.', 'Impaired judgment.']
465788
['Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.', 'Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.', 'Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.', 'Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.', 'Sudden severe headache, with no known cause.']
225911
Stress and anxiety can also lead to poor memory. Depression is associated with short-term memory loss. It doesn't affect other types of memory, such as long-term memory and procedural memory, which controls motor skills.