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Signs & Symptoms of Memory Loss & Confusion

Memory loss and confusion is not a sign of lack of intelligence. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, your attention span, knowledge and identity do not change either. With the loss of memories, you have trouble recalling pieces of information, like your personal experiences and facts. Memory loss and confusion have special signs and symptoms.

  1. Memory Loss

    • Memory loss can be short-term or long-term. Signs of short-term memory loss include the inability to remember information you just learned or experiences which happened minutes or seconds ago. For example, you may be in the mist of a conversation and forget what you were about to say, where you put your glasses or parked your car.

      Long-term memory loss affects a different set of experiences. Signs of long-term memory loss include the inability to recall distant memories from childhood.

    Serious Memory Loss

    • Amnesia is a serious form of memory loss that causes damage to the memory processing of your brain. This condition affects both long- and short-term memories. Symptoms of amnesia include the inability to learn new information shortly after you develop amnesia. Retrograde amnesia is another symptom. When this occurs you cannot remember previous information.

      Amnesia is different from less serious forms of memory loss because of additional signs involving movement and false recollections. For example, you may create memories or you may suffer from uncoordinated movements like seizures.

    Confusion

    • Signs of confusion, according to the Medicine Net website, can be sudden or gradual. You may notice there is a change in mental status. For example, you may not be able to process thoughts with normally clarity or be unable to make decisions. So, you may not be able to recognize places or people. In addition, you may feel disorientated and not be able to tell time or what day it is.

      Confusion can is caused by a variety of medical conditions like depression, heat stroke, concussion, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Other causes include injuries, carbon monoxide exposure, fever, medications and substance abuse.

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