Cognitive & Memory Problems

According to WebMD, more than 3 million people have dementia. This and other problems of memory and cognition, including Alzheimer's, are more common with age. Cognitive and memory problems can be also be caused by brain damage, such as those symptomatic of amnesia.

Amnesia

• Amnesia is the loss of information and memories caused by brain damage or degenerative disease. Anterograde amnesia is the inability to retain new information. Retrograde amnesia involves a loss of previously known information and memories. Dissociative amnesia occurs in response to psychological trauma.

Dementia

• According to Mayo Clinic, "dementia indicates problems with at least two brain functions, such as memory loss along with impaired judgment or language." Dementia is a collection of symptoms that cause changes in personality, mood and ability to function in daily life. It can be caused by brain damage, degeneration, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's is a common form of dementia that gradually degenerates the brain. Its symptoms include amnesia, language confusion, loss of judgment, changes in personality and mood, withdrawal from relationships and disorientation of time, place and space.