When it comes to understanding the reasoning and effects of memory loss, it’s a good idea to first understand the difference between sudden memory loss and more gradual losses of memory.
Sudden memory loss is generally a result of an injury or some sort of trauma to the brain. Strokes, meningitis, epilepsy, statin drugs, and high cholesterol are often other causes of sudden, and in most cases, more permanent, memory loss. Brain trauma encompasses any kind of bodily injury that can be caused by an accident, wound, or some sort of physical attack to the head, such as a concussion. Memory loss that stems from brain trauma can be either permanent or temporary.
More gradual onsets of memory loss may be the result of many different diseases and illnesses. Something as simple as stress can cause temporary memory loss that gradually gets worse, and certain mental illnesses may cause memory loss, as well. There are some diseases that can be the reasoning behind gradual, more severe cases of memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Some of these are genetic, while others can affect anyone at any age in their life.
If you or someone else is experiencing either a gradual change in their memory or have a sudden loss of memory such as forgetting names or familiar places or trouble remembering to complete daily, typical tasks, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a doctor to ensure that they are medically sound and are not experiencing extreme injuries to the brain.