Amnesia

When people lose their ability to memorize data they have amnesia. Amnesia also refers to an inability to recall information that is stored in memory. In simple terms, amnesia is the loss of memory. The causes of amnesia may be organic or functional.Organic causes of amnesia may include brain damage through injury, or the use of specific drugs - usually sedative drugs. Amnesia may be one of the symptoms of some degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

The loss of long-term memory, or the loss of the ability to form new long-term memories or memorize things. People suffering from Anterograde Amnesia may find themselves unable to remember facts or people's names just a few minutes after hearing them because the memories do not successfully transfer from their conscious short-term memory into permanent long-term memory.The loss of already existing memories. This type of Amnesia typically targets the most recent memories, and the amount of memory lost can vary based on the severity of the case.

A person with amnesia may work with an occupational therapist to learn new information to replace what was lost, or to use intact memories as a basis for taking in new information.

Memory training may also include a variety of strategies for organizing information so that it's easier to remember and for improving understanding of extended conversation.