Difficulties of Short Term Memory Loss

'Memory' refers to the storage and retrieval of information such as knowledge and thoughts. The ability to memorize certain events varies with the individual and can depend on the type of information being stored.

Information which is interesting and/or simple tends to be stored and retrieved more easily than those subjects which are of less interest or are of a complicated or unfamiliar nature.

Short term memory loss is known as amnesia. There are many reasons why this would occur. It may be caused by psychological problems, or as a result of injury or other health problems, or may even be the consequences of taking certain drugs.

Some people naturally have better memory capacity than others, why this should be is not known. Short term memory loss becomes more likely as we age, and many older members of our society suffer at differing levels. Much of this is a natural part of the aging process. However there are diseases which can cause memory loss along with other mind problems. Alzheimer's disease is one of these devastating conditions.

How short-term memory loss affects sufferers:

What short term memory loss means essentially, is that although the affected person may well remember events from years ago, even relatively small details from their very early childhood, remembering something that happened yesterday, such as what they ate for dinner or a film that they watched, is almost impossible. No matter how hard they try to retrieve the information from their mind, it just will not come.

People who are affected by short term memory loss may find it difficult to socialize with other people. This is because they will often forget the content of a conversation they are engaged in, often repeating sentences or asking a question they have only recently asked and have already forgotten the answer to. Another difficulty is remembering names and other personal details. As the memory loss progresses, they may even begin to forget their own name or other personal details.

Treatment:

As there are many symptoms for short term memory loss it can be extremely difficult to treat and it is possible that it may never actually be cured at all.

It can be a very stressful and frustrating time, not only for the sufferer but also for their friends and family. It can be particularly upsetting when the sufferer is a close relative and they have reached an advanced stage of memory loss where they are unable to even recognize their own family, even those who are as closely related as their own spouse or children.

There are however a few ways in which symptoms can be alleviated even if they cannot be cured. Making lists and keeping a calendar are good ways of remembering tasks which have to be undertaken daily and appointments which must be kept, especially, if the patient is undergoing medication, and needs to take it regularly. Technology can also help these days and the various 'brain training' games which are available can strengthen the mind and improve memory.