Source: MedicalNewsToday.com, Written by Jennifer Huizen
Short-term memory refers to information that people can remember for a short period of time immediately after receiving it.
People with short-term memory loss have problems remembering pieces of information they just received. Numerous physical and psychological conditions can cause short-term memory loss, and the treatment will depend on the cause.
Keep reading to learn more about what short-term memory and short-term memory loss are, including some causes of short-term memory loss, treatment options, and when to speak with a doctor.
What is short-term memory?
Short-term memory refers to the memory systems in the brain involved in remembering pieces of information for a short period of time, often up to 30 seconds. Short-term memory creates a kind of “visuospatial” sketch of information the brain has recently absorbed and will process into memories later on. By some estimates, short-term memory can hold around seven items of information at one time.
Information can move from short-term memory into long-term memory, where the brain permanently stores the information for future recall when necessary. Long-term memory does not seem to have a specific limit or maximum capacity. Information held in long-term memory is usually related to how a person performs a skill, or to rules, events, facts, and concepts.
Short-term memory and working memory are sometimes thought of as the same thing, but they are not. Short-term memory is the memory systems involved in the temporary holding of pieces of information. Working memory refers to the brain processes that allow the manipulation and use of stored information.
Short-term memory loss
Short-term memory loss, or short-term memory impairment, is when someone cannot retain information in the short term, or forgets information they have just received.
Sporadically forgetting pieces of new information happens to almost everyone. It is especially easy to forget new information if someone is not completely paying attention, is distracted, or does not make an effort to remember the information.
People should be aware that mild forgetfulness is also a typical part of aging. That said, when someone forgets important information frequently enough to interfere with their ability to function in daily life, they may be experiencing short-term memory loss linked to a specific health condition.
Some common signs of short-term memory loss include:
asking someone their name, the same questions, or for the same information repeatedly
being confused about what they are doing, who they are with, and what time or day it is
having trouble remembering or understanding information they have just received, such as directions or steps in a recipe
forgetting recent experiences or events
forgetting where they put things
forgetting something they recently heard on the radio or saw on television
Causes of short-term memory loss
A long list of different factors and conditions can cause short-term memory loss. Some of the more common conditions associated with short-term memory loss include:
Aging
As someone ages, changes in their brain tend to slowly develop, which can make them more forgetful than they were before. But research suggests that memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging, and as someone ages, their brain actually can retain the ability to create new brain cells and form new nerve connections.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases cause nerves in the brain and peripheral nervous system to lose function and die over time. Many neurodegenerative diseases can cause short-term memory loss. Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases associated with short-term memory loss include:
Alzheimer’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
frontotemporal dementia
Lewy body dementia
vascular dementia
Head injury
Many types of injury can damage brain cells and potentially cause temporary or permanent short-term memory loss.
Infection
Chronic or severe infection in the brain and other parts of the body can cause memory loss. Examples include HIV and encephalitis.
Tumors
Tumors, either cancerous or benign, as well as other abnormal growths on the brain, can potentially interfere with brain functioning and impact short-term memory.
Stroke and cardiac arrest
A stroke or heart attack can cause brain damage by depriving the brain of oxygen.
Medications
Many medications that impact brain functioning can cause temporary memory loss as a side effect. Some medications commonly linked with memory problems include:
cholesterol medications
antianxiety medications
anti-seizure drugs
tricyclic antidepressants
pain relievers
high blood pressure medications
Parkinson’s drugs
sedative or sleeping medications
incontinence medications
antihistamines
Sleep deprivation
Not getting enough sleep can impair brain functioning. This can result in temporary short-term memory loss.
Chronic pain conditions
Several conditions that cause chronic pain, such as some types of arthritis, can cause a series of cognitive problems known collectively as brain fog.
People with brain fog tend to be more forgetful, have a hard time learning and remembering new information, and have trouble retrieving memories correctly.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can make it more difficult to process information, form and store memories, and recall information.
Other
Several other conditions can cause short-term memory loss. Less common causes of short-term memory loss include:
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
subdural hematoma
cerebral vasculitis
not getting enough folic acid, vitamin B12, or thiamine
vision or hearing loss
Psychological causes of short-term memory loss
Some psychological conditions can cause short-term memory loss. The most common mental health conditions related to short-term memory loss include:
Depression
Many people with depression experience memory problems. In a 2018 study assessing a primarily Caribbean Hispanic, stroke-free group of older adults, more severe depression correlated with worse memory problems, smaller cerebellums, and an increased risk of brain infarcts (areas of tissue death caused by a lack of adequate blood supply).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People with PTSD may experience changes in their brain functioning and brain chemistry. These may impact cognitive abilities, in particular memory.
Substance abuse
Misuse or overuse of substances such as recreational drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes can cause temporary or permanent memory loss, according to research from 2010.
Severe stress
People experiencing extreme, severe, or prolonged stress may also experience a reduction in their cognitive abilities, which, according to 2007 research, may include memory problems.
Treatment for short-term memory loss
Treatment for short-term memory loss primarily depends on the cause. Common treatments for short-term memory loss based on the underlying condition or cause include:
Injury, abnormal growths, or aneurysm: Surgery, medications, and sometimes post-surgery therapy.
Infection: Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications and medical monitoring.
Thyroid diseases: Speak with a doctor about thyroid hormone medications.
Psychiatric conditions such as depression and PTSD: Psychiatric medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications, as well as psychological therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Medication side effects: Speak with a doctor about stopping the medication or reducing the dosage.
Alcohol or drug use: Speak with a doctor about reducing or stopping alcohol or recreational drug consumption, which may require substance abuse therapy.
Sleep deprivation: Practice good sleep hygiene and follow a strict sleeping schedule.Extreme stress: Practice stress-reducing or stress-management activities such as yoga, controlled breathing, exercise, or meditation.
Vitamin deficiencies: Eat a moderate, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consider taking supplements.
Epilepsy: Speak with a doctor about anti-seizure medications.
Types of arthritis: Pain medications and lifestyle factors, such as getting enough sleep and exercise.
Vision or hearing loss: Wear prescription glasses or hearing aids.
Dementia caused by irreversible neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease, requires medical and lifestyle management rather than treatment in the hope of restoring memory loss.
There is no medication approved to cure, treat, or prevent conditions that cause irreversible memory loss, though a few are available that may help manage other symptoms in people with early and mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease, such as:
galantamine
rivastigmine
donepezil
Exercises and remedies for improving short-term memory
There are some things people can do to manage short-term memory loss and, in some cases, even help improve short-term memory.
Tips for handling short-term memory loss include the following:
Set and follow a daily routine.
Make to-do lists, plan tasks, and use reminder tools such as notes, calendars, and phone alerts or alarms.
Put important items in the same place, such as phones, keys, glasses, wallets, or purses.
Try to learn a new skill or do tasks that challenge the brain, such as puzzles or memory games.
Take part in activities that keep the brain engaged, such as socializing, volunteering, or getting involved in clubs or groups.
Stay connected with family and friends.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Get enough exercise.
Eat a moderate, balanced diet.
Practice good sleep hygiene and follow a sleep schedule.
Control high blood pressure or help prevent it (speak with a doctor about dietary changes, medications, and exercise).
Seek medical attention if depression occurs.
Try to reduce clutter or extra items around the house or environment.
Break larger bits of information into smaller chunks to make it easier to remember, such as remembering a phone number as two separate numbers as opposed to one long string of numbers.
Repeat new information, or try to associate it with something else to make it easier to remember.
Plenty of over-the-counter medications and supplements claim to boost memory or restore memory loss. But the National Institute of Aging (NIA) suggests staying away from these self-proclaimed “cures.” The NIA states that unproven memory treatments can cause health problems, waste money, and even interfere with other medications.
When to contact a doctor
If memory issues start to interfere with a person’s functioning or quality of life, they should contact a doctor.
People should also contact a doctor if they are worried about their memory, or think they have more memory issues than most other people their age.
Summary
Short-term memory is a person’s ability to remember small amounts of information for a short period of time.
Short-term memory loss is sometimes a part of typical aging, but could be a symptom of several health conditions, both psychological and physical.
When short-term memory loss interferes with daily functioning or quality of life, people should contact a doctor, especially if memory loss becomes frequent or severe.
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