Long term memories refer to those memories that are several years or even decades old. Though long term memory loss may be a part of the natural process and can be observed as age advances, sudden long term memory loss can be caused to due to other pathological conditions.
The treatment for long term memory loss includes medications and certain life style modifications, which can help to avert or delay the process of memory loss. This article provides insight into the various causes and symptoms of long term memory loss along with suggested treatment options.
Causes Of Long Term Memory Loss
Long term memory loss depends upon the part of the brain that is affected. Different parts of the brain control different functions which include memories of smells, tastes, faces and appearances, sounds, etc. Depending upon the part of the brain that is affected, long term memory loss can manifest in different ways. The most common causes associated with long term memory loss include,
- Traumatic Injury to the Brain: A head injury is often one of the most common and important factor that can result in memory loss. The memory loss can be in reference to a few days prior to the injury or may extend to several years prior to the injury.The condition is often defined as retrograde amnesia, in which a person forgets things a few hours, days or even years prior to the injury.
- Neurodegenerative Brain Disease: There are certain types of neurodegenerative disorders which can result in long term memory loss. These disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingtons disease, Dementia or Multiple Sclerosis. However most cases of degenerative disorders tend to affect the elderly and are associated with decline in general cognitive functions.
Long Term Memory Loss Symptoms
Long term memory loss symptoms can manifest suddenly or gradually depending upon the cause of memory loss. In cases of degenerative disorders, memory loss is often gradually while in cases of traumatic injury to the brain memory loss is often sudden. Some of the common symptoms associated with memory loss include,
- Inability to remember significant and important dates and events in their life.
- Other symptoms include confusion and irritability which is associated with the primary inability to recall.
- Finally, memory loss is associated with gradual decline of cognitive and behavioral functions.
Coping With Long Term Memory Loss
Unfortunately there is no specific treatment that can guarantee recall ability in an individual. However there are some regimens that might help the individual improve his recall ability and relearn,
- Family support is very important. Orienting the individual to the reality of life plays a crucial role. Family support may help the individual to make an effort towards recalling his past and can reinstate memory loss.
- Supply the individual with familiar music, photos and objects. These events from the past might help the individual recall some of the episodes of life and then help him regain his memory.
- Ensure that the diet of the individual is healthy and balanced. Diet often plays a crucial role in aiding the process of healing.
- Ensure that the recommended medications suggested by the healthcare provider are given to the patient from time to time.