MEMORY LOSS

Memory Loss

Memory Loss

Introduction

It is defines as a mild decline in memory and the rate of information processing occurs normally with age, but does not affect daily function and does not generally progress. Memory loss, also referred to as amnesia, is an abnormal degree of forgetfulness and/or inability to recall past events. Depending on the cause, memory loss may have either a sudden or gradual onset, and memory loss may be permanent or temporary. Memory loss may be limited to the inability to recall recent events, events from the distant past, or a combination of both. Although the normal aging process can result in difficulty in learning and retaining new material, normal aging itself is not a cause of significant memory loss unless there is accompanying disease that is responsible for the memory loss. Memory loss occurs for a number of reasons. Most of the time, there is no cure for memory loss, though some forms of memory loss treatment can help(Budson 2005). Aside from certain prescription medications, memory loss may be treated by adhering to special routines, attempting alternative medicine, and partaking in memory exercises. While each person is unique, most people find that engaging in memory loss treatment programs is helpful.

One of the most important things for a person suffering from memory loss to do is to follow a regular routine. The aim of a daily routine is to condition the brain on a regular basis. When tasks are repeated each day, the brain effectively becomes stronger(Hanson 1999). These tasks can range from washing one's hair at the same time each day to eating meals at set hours. In order to remind a person dealing with memory loss to complete tasks on time each day, a calendar system can be used.

Memory Loss and Hippocampus

As a complex process, memory is also divided into types: short-term and long -term memory. Retaining information for several seconds while doing more than one activity at once, is short- term memory, generally short- term memory is located in the Pre frontal cortex, which is found in the front part of the brain. Having the ability to recall facts from a new name to an event taken place at the age of four is due to short and long-term memory.

The hippocampus is a brain structure which lies under the medial temporal lobe, one on each side of the brain. It is sometimes grouped with other nearby structures including the dentate gyrus and called the "hippocampal formation." The hippocampus is critical for the formation of new autobiographical and fact memories(Hanson 1999). It may function as a memory "gateway" through which new memories must pass before entering permanent storage in the brain. Hippocampal damage can result in anterograde amnesia: loss of ability to form new memories, although older memories may be safe. Thus, someone who sustains an injury to the hippocampus may have good memory of his childhood and the years before the injury, but relatively little memory for anything that happened ...