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Retrograde Amnesia and Cancer Treatment

Retrograde amnesia is a form of memory loss in which a person cannot remember anything that occurred before a traumatic event. The traumatic event could be an accident, grievous injury to the nervous system or the side effects of strong medications or any toxic materials that affect the nervous system. People who suffer from retrograde amnesia might have difficulty in recalling previously learned information. Though rare, retrograde amnesia can occur after cancer treatment.

  1. Causes of Amnesia

    • The limbic system of the brain is responsible for storing information and retrieving the stored memories. The limbic system comprises the areas of the brain such as the amygdala, hippocampus and portions of the cortex. These organs not only retrieve memories but are also responsible for the functioning of the endocrine system and the coordination of emotions and motivation.

    Symptoms of Amnesia

    • There are many different ways in which amnesia could manifest itself. The most typical symptom is the inability to recall previously learned information. Depending on the extent of injury received by the brain, the severity of amnesia can differ. Though rare, it is possible that in some cases amnesia may also interfere with the ability to learn new information or skills. The injuries received by the brain can be seen in the magnetic resonance imaging.

    Relationship Between Retrograde Amnesia and Cancer

    • There are cases in which cancer treatments have been traumatic to the patient and have affected the cerebral cortex by causing temporary retrograde amnesia. Cancer treatments can increase confusion, and the retrograde amnesia is preceded by mild frontal headaches. An MRI in such cases usually shows lesions on the anterior cortex. Cancer treatment may also enhance the postgadolinium, which triggers retrograde amnesia.

    Treatment of Amnesia

    • Even if amnesia is caused by cancer treatment, the treatment of amnesia itself depends on regular psychotherapy and cognitive therapy. The patient will have regular sessions with a psychotherapist who tries to use various psychological techniques that can encourage communication and give a greater insight into the problems being experienced by the patient. Cognitive therapy also focuses on thoughts and dysfunctional thinking. In some cases, family therapy may also be used; however, this is a relatively newer field of study.

    Considerations

    • Dietary supplementation can help treat amnesia, too. However, when a person is also suffering from cancer, he must take certain precautions. For instance, DHEA is an important nutrient that can help heal the brain and allow it to resume normal functioning of the processes of memory retrieval. However, a person with cancer should ideally not consume DHEA. Pregnenolone is another such supplement that can help in the treatment of amnesia, but cancer patients should not take it either.

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