Memory Loss: Understanding Amnesia (Part 2 – Anterograde)

Amnesia is a complex condition that results in the loss of memories, affecting a person's ability to recall past events or form new memories. There are two primary types of amnesia: retrograde and anterograde. Both types can have profound effects on a person’s daily life, relationships, and sense of identity. In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and impacts of anterograde amnesia, exploring how they alter a person's experience of reality. Read part two of Memory Loss: Understanding Amnesia to learn more about this medical condition that impacts many.

What is Amnesia?

Amnesia is a condition characterized by memory loss that can affect a person’s ability to recall past experiences or form new memories. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as brain injury, trauma, disease, or psychological stress. People with amnesia may lose memories of events, people, and places from their past (retrograde amnesia) or they may struggle to create new memories after the onset of the condition (anterograde amnesia). The severity and duration of amnesia can vary, with some people experiencing temporary memory loss, while others may have long-term or permanent impairment. Amnesia can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and a person's sense of identity.

What is Anterograde Amnesia?

Anterograde amnesia is when your brain can’t form new memories from what you’re experiencing right now. It’s common with age-related brain diseases and can also happen due to brain injuries or damage. In the most extreme cases, this means you permanently lose the ability to learn or retain any new information.

What Causes Anterograde Amnesia?

Many causes of anterograde amnesia root from existing conditions and trauma to the brain. The hippocampus is most responsible for anterograde amnesia occurring. Many causes of anterograde amnesia are also the causes to retrograde amnesia.

·      Brain Injury (Trauma): Damage to areas like the hippocampus or surrounding regions, which are essential for memory formation.

·      Alcohol-related brain damage: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, affecting memory and cognitive functions.

·      Stroke: Interruption of blood flow to brain regions involved in memory processing can result in anterograde amnesia.

·      Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other dementias gradually impair memory function.

·      Hypoxia (lack of oxygen): Oxygen deprivation to the brain, from causes like cardiac arrest, can lead to memory problems.

·      Medications- Certain medications like benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants have been known to cause memory impairment.

Symptoms and Impacts of Anterograde Amnesia

Due to the inability or difficulty of making new memories, that comes with anterograde amnesia, there are many things’ people deal with. The impacts range depending on how serious the case of amnesia is. The most common side effects include of:

·      Forgetting about conversations or events, which can lead to repetition of questions and confusion.

·      Forgetting someone’s name or information about them.

If the case of anterograde amnesia is serious, the impacts can be worse

·      Repetitive Behavior- Due to the inability to form new memories, individuals may ask the same questions or perform the same actions repeatedly, as they don’t remember asking or doing them before.

·      Confusion- Because the person cannot retain new information, they may become confused about where they are, what they were doing, or who they were interacting with.

·      Difficulty Learning New Skills- A person with anterograde amnesia may find it hard to learn new tasks or activities, as they are unable to retain the information required to complete them.

·      Disorientation in Time and Place- Individuals may struggle with remembering the current time, date, or location because they are unable to integrate these details into their memory.

Anterograde Amnesia Treatments

There are no known treatments for anterograde amnesia, however there are forms of therapy and specific techniques that can help memory. Some common and beneficial ways to strengthen memory include of:

·      Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling- May help in coping with psychological distress or emotional challenges, managing stress and improving quality of life.

·      Having consistent routines- Whether it is meals, events, sleep, or medications, keeping a consistent schedule is beneficial by giving structure to memory.

·      Healthy lifestyle- Keeping regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and stress management, to support overall brain health.

·      Memory Aids & External Tools- Using calendars, notebooks, smartphones, and reminder systems can help patients manage daily activities and assist in memory recall.

Citations:

Clinic, Cleveland. “Understanding Amnesia: Is It Memory Loss or Just Forgetfulness.” Cleveland Clinic, 27 Jan. 2024,https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21455-amnesia

Emily Brown, MPH. “What Is Anterograde Amnesia?” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/anterograde-amnesia-7255000#toc-anterograde-amnesia-symptoms

Thurrott, Stephanie. “What Happens with Anterograde Amnesia?: Banner Health.” What Happens with Anterograde Amnesia? | Banner Health, 14 July 2024, https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/what-happens-with-anterograde-amnesia#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20treatment%20for,other%20conditions%20that%20impair%20memory