Top 10 ways to get amnesia
#TOP 10 WAYS TO GET AMNESIA PROFESSIONAL#
People with more-severe forms of amnesia may require direct assistance from family, friends or professional caregivers. Living with amnesia can be frustrating for those with memory loss, and for their family and friends, too. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Coping and support But the complexity of the brain processes involved makes it unlikely that a single medication will be able to resolve memory problems. Research may one day lead to new treatments for memory disorders. Although treatment, which also needs to include alcohol abstinence, can help prevent further damage, most people won't recover all of their lost memory. Treatment includes replacing this vitamin and providing proper nutrition. No medications are currently available for treating most types of amnesia.Īmnesia caused by Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome involves a lack of thiamin. Low-tech memory aids include notebooks, wall calendars, pill minders, and photographs of people and places. For example, smartphones can be programmed to remind them about important events or to take medications.
With some training and practice, even people with severe amnesia can use these electronic organizers to help with day-to-day tasks. Many people with amnesia find it helpful to use smart technology, such as a smartphone or a hand-held tablet device.
Memory training may also include different strategies for organizing information so that it's easier to remember and for improving understanding of extended conversation. Occupational therapyĪ person with amnesia may work with an occupational therapist to learn new information to replace what was lost, or to use intact memories as a basis for taking in new information. Treatment for amnesia focuses on techniques and strategies to help make up for the memory problem, and addressing any underlying diseases causing the amnesia.
An electroencephalogram to check for the presence of seizure activity.Blood tests to check for infection, nutritional deficiencies or other issues.Imaging tests - including an MRI and CT scan - to check for brain damage or abnormalities.The memory evaluation can help determine the extent of memory loss and provide insights about what kind of help the person may need. The doctor may also ask the person to repeat a list of words. He or she will check the person's knowledge of general information - such as the name of the current president - as well as personal information and past events. The doctor will test the person's thinking, judgment, and recent and long-term memory. The physical examination may include a neurological exam to check reflexes, sensory function, balance, and other physiological aspects of the brain and nervous system. History of seizures, headaches, depression or cancer.
Other signs and symptoms, such as confusion, language problems, personality changes or impaired ability to care for self.Family history, especially of neurological disease.Triggering factors, such as a head injury, stroke or surgery.When the memory problems started and how they progressed.Type of memory loss - recent or long term.The doctor will ask many questions to understand the memory loss.