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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe two main features of amnesia are:
- Impaired ability to learn new information following the onset of amnesia (anterograde amnesia)
- Impaired ability to recall past events and previously familiar information (retrograde amnesia)
Most people with amnestic syndrome have problems with short-term memory — they can't retain new information. Many also have some degree of impaired memory recall. Recent memories are most likely to be lost, while more remote or deeply ingrained memories may be spared. Someone may recall experiences from childhood or know the names of past presidents, but not be able to name the current president or remember what month it is or what was for breakfast.
The memory loss doesn't affect a person's intelligence, general knowledge, awareness, attention span, judgment, personality or identity. People with amnestic syndrome usually can understand written and spoken words and can learn skills such as bike riding or piano playing. They may also understand that they have a memory disorder.
Amnesia isn't the same as dementia. Dementia often includes memory loss, but it also involves other significant cognitive problems that lead to a decline in the ability to carry out daily activities. A pattern of forgetfulness is also a common symptom of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the memory and other cognitive problems in MCI aren't as severe as those experienced in dementia.
Additional signs and symptoms
Depending on the cause of the amnesia, other signs and symptoms may include:
- False recollections (confabulation), either completely invented or made up of genuine memories misplaced in time
- Neurological problems such as uncoordinated movements, tremors or seizures
- Confusion or disorientation
When to see a doctor
Anyone who experiences unexplained memory loss, a head injury, confusion or disorientation requires immediate medical attention. A person with amnesia may not be able to identify his or her location or have the presence of mind to seek medical care. If someone you know has symptoms of amnesia, don't hesitate to help the person get medical attention.
- Amnesias. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch210/ch210c.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
- 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.
- Davis PH. Transient global anemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Woodruff BK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug. 5, 2009.
