amnesia, the memory loss may arise suddenly or slowly. It also can be temporary or permanent. Many people with progressive memory loss may not be aware of their worsening forgetfulness. Family members or friends may be more able to judge whether memory lapses are getting worse. Depending on whether the memory loss is of short- or long-term memory, the individual or family may notice certain events, such as:Inability to recognize family membersforgetting one's phone number or home addressforgetting how to return home from a familiar locationforgetting to eat, bathe, or maintain one's hygieneforgetting friends' or family members' namesCommon medical causes of memory loss include: normal agingAlzheimers Diseasedepression head traumahysteria seizureschronic alcohol abuse drugs such as anesthetics,barbiturates, and hallucinogens electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) temporal lobe surgery for conditions such as a brain tumor lack of oxygen to the brain stroke Huntington's disease Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteriesPick's diseaseLewy body diseasenormal pressure hydrocephalus chronic subdural hematoma , or bleeding on the brain tumor Wilson's diseaseneurosyphilis , or late-stage syphilis Mild memory loss comes normally with aging. Keeping the brain active may help to preserve brain cells. Reading, singing, doing puzzles, conversing, exercising, and eating a balanced diet stimulate blood flow and activity in the brain. Severe and worsening memory loss may develop into dementia. One form of this condition is dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Because there is no known cause for this disease, there is also no known prevention. Hormone replacement therapy may help postmenopausal women. Recent research indicates these drugs may delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. Dementia is also related to strokes. High blood pressure and vascular disease may cause strokes. Preventing or treating high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cho...
