Retrograde amnesiais the inability to remember past experiences.
It is specifically characterized by the loss of information or memories acquired before the event that caused the amnesia.
Types of retrograde amnesia have different causes, including traumatic experience andtraumatic brain injury(TBI).
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These types present with different symptoms and require varied treatments.
In some cases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure.
For others, the outlook with therapy is more optimistic.
The other key in of amnesia is anterograde amnesia.
However, it can also have a short-term retrograde effect lasting less than 24 hours.
Causes
Some leading causes of memory loss include injuries, illnesses, and stressful events.
The priority usually involves treating the cause of amnesia to help people regain their memories.
For example, extensive rehabilitation may be needed to treat TBI-related memory loss.
Or, a mental health professional can provide therapy for amnesia caused byadverse childhood experience(ACE).
For Alzheimer’s disease or other degenerative illnesses, there is no available cure.
In some cases, memory can even be restored though only to a point.
Coping With Memory Loss
Many people with retrograde amnesia struggle to understand what has happened to them.
Talk with your healthcare providers about coping techniques that may help.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends significantly on the source of the amnesia.
In some cases, memory loss is brief, lasting only days or weeks.
However, memory loss can last for years or even be permanent for others.
With a condition like Alzheimer’s, memory loss may even get worse over time.
Summary
Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall or remember past experiences.
Memory loss can be temporary, long-lasting, or even permanent.
Your healthcare provider will run several noninvasive diagnostic tests to diagnose retrograde amnesia.
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