People can lose memory through brain trauma, or if they develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease as they age. Damage to the physical brain or in the way the brain functions can cause memory loss. As yet, there is no cure for most severe memory losses, but there are treatments that can stave off some of the worsening of it.
Dementia
Dementia is not a disease. It's a term used to define a set of symptoms. Memory loss may only be a portion of dementia. Other portions may include difficulties in speaking or thinking, or the inability to function in society because of an increase in judgment difficulties. Apart from Alzheimer's disease, dementia also may be caused by Parkinson's disease and vascular problems.
Amnesia
Despite Hollywood stereotypes, amnesia does not mean a loss of personal identity. Instead, it's a loss of memory usually brought on by trauma or damage to the brain. Amnestic syndrome can be permanent. It can make it difficult for the sufferer to learn new things or create new memories.
Stroke
Strokes, which affect blood flow to the brain, can damage the brain. The lack of oxygen reaching brain cells causes them to die quickly. Depending on where the damage to the brain is, memory loss can occur.
Tumors and Head Injuries
Cancerous growths, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for memories, can damage these areas. Memory loss also can occur from injuries to the head. In the immediate aftermath and recovery periods, it may be difficult to retain newly learned information. This type of memory loss, however, rarely results in amnesia.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Over years of abusing alcohol, a vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency can occur. This is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It can cause a person to have trouble forming new memories as well as causing a severe loss of long-term memory. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome also may be caused by Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), cancer, dialysis, high thyroid levels, heart failure and other things.
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