Short Term Memory Loss

You may have experienced forgetfulness in the past, whether about something meaningful or trivial. However, when the moments you forget outnumber those you remember, there may be cause for concern. Many things can affect memory and lead to short-term memory loss. Educating yourself on these causes can be beneficial in knowing whether you should reach out for support.

What is memory loss?

Short-term memory vs. working memory

Short-term and working memory are similar but different. Working may last about 15 to 20 seconds. If information is deemed worthy of remembering and short-term works appropriately, the information may be relayed to short-term. 

What is short-term memory and how do I lose it?

Short-term memory loss can present itself in various methods. Some individuals have occasional problems remembering something in the short term, but this can be debilitating for others. If you only have problems remembering things occasionally, you may not have cause for concern. However, if any of the following occur regularly, you may want to seek help for a memory test and possible diagnosis:

• Walking into a room and forgetting why you went there
• Forgetting to do everyday tasks
• Repetition in conversations because you don't remember what you said
• Forgetting recent events
• Taking medication twice or not at all due to forgetting whether you took it 
• Eating twice or not at all because you don't remember if you have eaten
• Hanging up the phone and forgetting who you talked to, even if it was a family member
• Asking the same questions over and over and forgetting the answers
• Dialing a phone and forgetting who you were going to call or why

When short-term memory impairment affects your daily life and activities, it may be rewarding to reach out for help.

Causes of short term memory loss: Brain damage, head injury, dementia, and more

There are many possible causes of short-term memory loss, some of which are only temporary and can be remedied. However, many health conditions that cause this memory loss are permanent and might lead to long-term memory loss. Short-term loss is often the first sign of certain medical conditions. If you are concerned about your health, reach out to a medical provider as soon as possible. 

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weak or bulging spot on the walls of arteries in the brain. These aneurysms might not rupture, but if they do, they can cause a pool of blood around the brain that might cause clotting, causing mental deficiencies and killing off brain tissue. This process can lead to short-term and potentially long-term memory loss. Approximately 30% of patients with a ruptured brain aneurysm regain their short-term memory, although it can take several weeks. 

Brain tumor

A brain tumor that affects the prefrontal cortex can also affect short-term memory. If the tumor is putting pressure on the prefrontal cortex or stopping the neural pathways in that area of the brain, you may be unable to remember information quickly. You may also have difficulty recalling information from long-term memory. Sometimes removing the tumor through surgery can restore memory.

Amnesia

Amnesia, or transient global amnesia, is a loss of memory and may be temporary or permanent. People with amnesia might experience poor short-term memory and have difficulty creating new memories or recalling old ones, like the names of family members. Amnesia can be caused by some medical conditions or injuries, including brain trauma, overdose, stroke, dementia, a brain infection, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Alzheimer's and dementia

Some forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging for healthy older adults, but serious memory problems are not. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and a deterioration of cognitive function. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the first symptom may be mild memory loss. Other signs of Alzheimer disease include:

Dementia is the official term for the loss of memory and confusion resulting from Alzheimer's. However, symptoms of memory disorders can also occur in other types of patients, such as those with multiple strokes or other medical conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is not a natural part of aging but most frequently occurs in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be treated, but with an early diagnosis, some forms of treatment may slow the progress and side effects and temporarily improve memory. Note that memory loss can be a sign of other serious conditions, like Huntington's disease.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which individuals stop breathing in small increments while asleep. There have been cases where people experienced memory problems because of this condition.

Some people are misdiagnosed as having early-onset Alzheimer's because of the symptoms that sleep apnea can cause. The condition can cause sleep deprivation, leading to memory loss. Often, if the patient corrects their sleep apnea symptoms with a CPAP or similar equipment, their memory may return over time. A sleep study test may be done to get a sleep apnea diagnosis. Talk to a sleep doctor if you're concerned with your sleeping habits. 

Silent stroke

Silent strokes are minor strokes that can happen undetected. People might experience minor strokes while sleeping or awake that are so mild that they do not exhibit typical stroke symptoms. However, the temporary blockage of vessels in the brain by blood clots can cause some brain damage, including memory loss. Multiple silent strokes can exacerbate these symptoms. 

Medications impacting short term memory loss

• Sleeping pills
• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Prescription painkillers, particularly opioids
• Diabetes medication
• Cholesterol medication, particularly statins

If you notice that you have developed short-term memory loss over time, write down a list of your medications and how long you have been taking them. If it is determined that a medication you are taking for medical problems is to blame, other treatments may be considered. Talk to your doctor before changing, stopping, or starting any medication. 

Nutritional deficiency

Stress, anxiety, and depression

Alcohol or drug misuse

Studies have found that short-term memory loss can be a symptom of the misuse of alcohol or illegal drugs. Individuals who experience intoxication when they drink alcohol may have trouble remembering their actions. However, hangovers and other symptoms can also contribute to memory loss. Long-term sobriety may be a form of managing this loss.

Aging: Head injury, Parkinson's, and more developing over time

Studies have shown that short-term memory can fail as we age and that information retrieval in healthy seniors is slower than in young people. There may not be any medical conditions behind memory loss in every case. However, common medical causes of memory loss include head injury, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). 

When memory loss or memory problems affect daily life

If memory loss makes it difficult for you or a loved one to function daily, consider reaching out for help. Contacting a licensed therapist or psychologist can be a first step. A mental health professional may be able to perform a memory test to determine whether you are experiencing reversible loss and gauge the status of your condition. Mental health services may also include referrals for additional testing to determine the cause of the memory loss if there are other aspects to consider.

If you are concerned you are experiencing a medical issue, reach out to a medical doctor first. A doctor may have significant experience in their clinical practice with memory loss and will likely explore your medical history, order blood tests or diagnostic tests like a CT scan, do a general physical exam to find an underlying cause, and then provide any required referrals. Often, individuals experiencing memory loss due to a medical condition may see a medical doctor and a therapist simultaneously to receive comprehensive care. 

Online therapy for navigating memory problems

In some cases, memory loss or mild cognitive impairment may cause making and keeping an appointment to be challenging. You might be required to remember directions to a therapist's office, or you may not be able to drive. In these cases, online therapy could provide a feasible alternative. You can contact a licensed professional without having to leave the house. Additionally, you might feel more comfortable discussing memory loss from a comfortable location. 

Online therapy is as effective as in-person counseling in many cases. For example, a recent study demonstrated the ability of internet-based therapeutic methods to reduce generalized anxiety symptoms in some clients.