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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living with amnesia can be very frustrating for the person with memory loss, and for their family and friends too. More-severe forms of amnesia may require direct assistance for the affected individual from family, friends or professional caregivers.

It can be helpful to talk with others who understand what you're going through, and who may be able to provide advice or tips on living with amnesia. Ask your doctor if he or she knows of a support group in your area for people with amnesia and their loved ones.

If an underlying cause for the amnesia is identified, there are national organizations that can provide additional information or support for the individual and their families. Examples include:

  • The Alzheimer's Association (800-272-3900)
  • The Brain Injury Association of America ( 800-444-6443)
References
  1. Amnesias. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch210/ch210c.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
  2. Simon RP, et al. Disorders of cognitive function. In: Simon RP, et al. Clinical Neurology. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5143601. Accessed Aug. 4, 2009.
  3. Davis PH. Transient global anemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
  4. Heilman KM. Evaluation and management of amnesic disorders. In: Noseworthy JH. Neurological Therapeutics: Principles and Practice. London, New York: Martin Dunitz; 2003. library.mayo.edu/ebook-noseworthy/266_Neuro_XIV.pdf Accessed Aug. 4, 2009.
  5. Ropper AH, et al. Diseases of the nervous system caused by nutritional deficiency. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3639886. Accessed Aug. 4, 2009.
  6. Miller BL, et al. Memory loss. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2885255.
  7. Woodruff BK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug. 5, 2009.

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Oct. 10, 2009

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