Memory Loss

Causes of Memory Loss

  • There are many medical conditions that cause memory loss or other types of cognitive decline. Although the predominant cause of memory loss is a family of diseases called Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD), which includes but is not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and frontal lobe dementia, diseases or conditions such as diabetes, menopause, heart disease, and vitamin deficiency could also cause memory loss.

    Most causes of memory loss or cognitive decline can be stabilized or improved when the underlying medical conditions are correctly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The tables below list the major causes of memory loss, the appropriate treatment, and the realistically achievable result of treatment.

    Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders

    Disease Treatment Result of Treatment
    Alzheimer's Disease Cholinesterase inhibitor and glutamate modulation Stabilization and sometimes improvement
    Parkinson's Disease Dopaminergic stimulation Stabilization and sometimes improvement
    Frontal lobe dementia No established treatment N⁄A
    Vascular Disease Treat risk factors and medication Stabilization and sometimes improvement