Science Behind Short-Term Memory Loss

Written by Aanya Deshpande

Short-term memory loss refers to a person forgetting information shortly after receiving it. This time frame usually lasts 30 seconds. A short-term memory brain will create a visual of the information it processes and will be stored for memories. According to estimates, a person with short-term memory loss can store up to 7 pieces of information at a time. 

Forgetting information is an action everyone does sometimes when distracted, and mild forgetfulness can also occur through aging. However, if one forgets information to a point where it affects their daily life, they most likely have short-term memory loss. Common signs of short-term memory loss include asking the same question multiple times, forgetting recent experiences, confusion about what they are doing, and having trouble absorbing the information they have just received. 

There can be many potential causes for short-term memory loss. Some examples include aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and head injuries. As someone’s age increases, changes in the brain slowly develop, and they slowly start to forget information. However, memory loss is not an inevitable action of aging. Neurodegenerative diseases can cause brain nerves and the peripheral nervous system to lose function and die over time. Common diseases affiliated with memory loss are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and dementia. Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial hematoma (ICH), and concussions, can also cause memory loss. Head injuries can damage brain cells, and can cause short-term term memory loss permanently or temporarily. 

Treatments for short-term memory loss depend on the cause. For injuries or aneurysms, surgery and medications are usually given as treatments. Sometimes, even post-surgery therapy is needed. There are no ways to treat memory loss if memory loss is caused by neurodegenerative diseases. However, medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil can be used to manage symptoms. Remedies to improve short-term memory loss include making lists, limiting alcohol consumption, and repeating new information if received. 

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/short-term-memory 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322225#symptoms