Long term memory refers to the process of the brains ability to shift from its short term memory stores to creating a more permanent long term memory. These memories can begin forming from an hour ago to several decades or more ago.
The cortex is where this whole process takes place within the brain, in particular, the hippocampus.
The two types of long term memories are procedural and declarative.
Procedural long term memories refer to actions practiced through repetition over a lifetime like, playing an instrument or brushing your teeth.
Declarative long term memories deal with recall of information, facts, definitions, rules and events from past experiences.
People who suffer from long term memory loss are most typically older and sometimes it can be a result from underlying neuro-related conditions other than typical age related cognitive decline.
Long Term Memory Loss
People with long term memory loss will start forgetting things they typically know or previously had the ability to recall easily.
Some common symptoms of long term memory loss are:
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forgetting peoples names, appearance, or who they are
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forgetting important facts, dates, rules or details
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getting lost in once familiar places and surroundings
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forgetting how to perform important activities like driving, computer or cooking
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forgetting common objects and misplacing them
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forgetful in substituting wrong words for common objects
Causes
Long term memory loss should be a normal part of the aging process. However, when it disrupts a persons ability to live a healthy and safe life, it would be recommended that one sees a doctor.
Common causes of long term memory loss are:
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Aging process makes it more difficult for someone to learn new information and skills and recall their memories. This does not mean there are serious underlying conditions.
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Brain infections may lead to memory loss but can resolve over time with the right treatment.
Some examples of infections that affect the brain are: meningitis, encephalitis and even HIV.
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Brain hemorrhages, clots and strokes depending upon the severity and how much loss of oxygen caused by some kind of a blockage can result in memory loss. Brain cells or neurons can sometimes be permanently damaged and memory will be affected depending on what brain region is involved.
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Brain tumors will result in some type of cognitive decline for 90% of people affected. The most common being memory, executive functioning and attention deficits. Surgical procedures, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can oftentimes improve or resolve memory loss issues.
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Head injuries and concussions can negatively impact memory function if it results in interfering with blood flow that supply the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. Improvement from surgery or rehabilitation therapy will be determined by the extent, location, severity of the regions involved.
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Neurodegenerative conditions is a process of a slow but steady decline of functioning that results in the death of neurons in the brain. These neurodegenerative illnesses like dementia cause irreversible damage in a persons ability to learn, remember, reason and think. It will impair both long term and short term memory. This typically happens in late stage development. Some common forms of dementia are: Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
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Chronic alcohol and recreational drug abuse can impact the hippocampus of the cortex and lead to memory decline causing irreversible damage by disrupting short term memory and impairing the normal process of the formation of new long term memories.
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Thyroid conditions can affect memory and other cognitive changes. This can be the case in hypothyroidism, when the thyroid won’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones and may cause a smaller hippocampus, the important brain region involved with memory.
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Other less common causes of long term memory loss:
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vision or hearing loss
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cigarette smoking
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metabolic conditions
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lack of sleep over longer periods of time
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toxin exposure
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hypocalcemia and hyponatremia
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cerebral vasculitis
Sometimes there can be other mental health issues associated with a loss of long term memory. The psychological factors such as depression, PTSD and anxiety can all be a part of the bigger picture.
Treatment
There are no known cures for neurodegenerative conditions responsible for long term memory loss. There are however drugs that can help slow down the rate of decline and improve a quality of life.
Common remedies and treatments for conditions that include or cause memory loss include:
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surgical procedures, radiation or chemotherapy for brain tumors
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taking medication for a thyroid condition
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taking vitamin supplements and diet changes for any nutrient deficiency
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taking antibiotics and/or antivirals for any infections
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implementing exercise , meditation and breathing techniques to reduce stress
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pain medication when needed
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getting proper amount of sleep and exercise to improve overall health
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try cognitive behavioral therapy and neurofeedback for depression and memory loss
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reduce or change usage of any medication causing memory issues under doctors care
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stop alcohol consumption and recreational drug use
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undergo surgery and meds for any strokes, blood clots or heart attacks
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take corticosteroids / immune suppressing meds for cerebral vasculitis
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remove excess cerebrospinal fluid for hydrocephalus
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has some helpful tips on management of forgetfulness:
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eating a healthy diet
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keeping a routine on a daily basis
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plan ahead
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making to-do-lists and instructions of how to use items of importance like computer, TV
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use phone alerts and alarms
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stay connected with family and friends
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keep daily use items, wallet, keys, phone, glasses TV remote in same places
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get enough sleep and exercise, daily
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take control of high blood pressure and stress management
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get treatment for anxiety, depression and PTSD with therapy and neurofeedback
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include activities that will engage the brain like, puzzles, crosswords, reading and Sudoku
Long term memory loss is a natural part of aging. It can be improved by making sensible changes, except when associated with mid to late stage neurodegenerative condition like dementia, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease. As well as a consequence of a stroke and sometimes a TBI or concussion when permanent damage has occurred. A person should always contact a doctor to find out the cause. Then, come up with a treatment plan which could include lifestyle changes, medication and supportive therapies. It’s a good idea to adopt healthy lifestyle changes now, by including daily exercise, a proper diet and brain puzzles and games to support it’s functioning as you age.
-A Balanced Brain is an Active Brain-