Memory loss and confusion are two conditions that affect a patient's cognition. A patient with memory loss can have problems recalling stored information or creating new memories. Confusion can also affect memory, as well as the patient's ability to think clearly. These symptoms can be temporary or permanent, depending on their cause.
Alcoholism
Drinking excess alcohol can cause both memory loss and confusion. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, causing a sedative effect. The Cleveland Clinic notes that in the early stage of alcoholism, the person can have "blackouts," in which he forgets what happens when he was drinking. As the alcohol starts to wear off, the user can feel disoriented. In severe cases of alcoholism in which Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome develops, the patient can have permanent memory loss and confusion.
Head Injury
An impact to the head can result in brain damage, causing memory loss and confusion. Two types of head injury can occur: a concussion or a contusion. A concussion is a closed head injury and a contusion is an open head injury, though both types impact the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury, or if the patient loses consciousness, the functional problems can be life-long.
Nutritional Deficits
A person who does not have enough of certain vitamins in her diet can have cognitive problems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that deficits of vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin C or thiamine can cause confusion or memory loss. But a poor diet is not the only cause of these nutritional deficits. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair the body's ability to absorb these vitamins. Even if the person has a well-rounded diet or takes supplements, the alcohol can still cause vitamin deficiencies.
Seizures
During a seizure, which is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain, the patient can lose consciousness. When the patient loses consciousness, he does not remember what happened. He can also experience confusion during or after an episode. The seizure can be the result of an ongoing condition, like epilepsy, or temporary, such as from a high fever.
