Types of Memory Loss

Types of memory loss

CTE - trauma

Alzheimers - degenerative

Wernick-Korsakoff syndrom - drug induced

What does CTE stand for

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

What is the cause of CTE

caused by repeated head injuries or concussions

Repetitive trauma leads to accumulation of Tau protein in the brain

causes progressive neurodegeneration

What are the behavioural impacts of CTE

progression →

• increased aggression

• impulsivity

• poor judgement

• difficulty in social interactions + maintaining relationships

• also experience mood swings + depression

What are the emotional impacts of CTE

• emotional instability

• heightened anxiety

• irritability

• emotional outbursts

• suicidal ideation or tendencies

What is alzheimers?

brain disease that involves the degeneration of neurons in regions of the brain that are involved in cognitive skills and memory formation and retrieval.

What does Alzheimers include?

Anterogade and retrogade amnesia, because disease affects hippocampus and prefrotnal cortex

What kinds of memory loss is involved in Alzheimers?

Events → forget all or part of a signficiant event

words or names of well known people and objects

remembering and following directions

trouble following narratives on TV or in a book

Forgetting known information related to history or politics

inability to perform every day tasks such as dressing, cooking, usin gthe toilet, taking med

Behavioural changes in the early stages

• exhbit changes in early routines and habits

• become more prone to misplacing items

• struggle with managing finances

• withdrawal from social activities and hobbies

Emotional impact of alzheimers in early stages

• realisation of declining cog ability leads to emo distress

• may experience anxiety, depression, mood swings as they grapple changes in cogntiion and mental faculties

• easily upset or frustrated with challenging tasks or situations

Behaviorual impacts in later stages

• wandering

• agitation

• aggression

• round the clock care as they struggle with basic daily activities such as eating, dressing, personal hygiene

• difficulrt communicating and understanding others

Emotional difficulties

• increased confusion

• fear

• paranoia

• rapid mood swings

• easily distressed in unfamiliar environments

What is Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome?

Memory loss primarily caused by thiamine deficiency, often associated with chronic alcohol abuse

occurs in cases of malnutrition, eating disorders, after bariatric surgery

lack of thiamine → brain damage, particularly areas responsible for memory formation and retrieval

Behavioural impacts of WK syndrome

• WKS progression may cause individuals to withdraw from social interactions

• combination of memory impairment, personality chanaages and emo instability can make situations challenging and overwhelming

• confabulation → patients fill in memory gaps with false information as the brain attempts to make sense of missing memories

Emotional impacts of WK

• rapid mood swings

• alternate between periods of euphoria and depression, without apprent cause

• emotional volatility

• apathetic, lack motivation or interest in activities

• increased irritability, aggression, particularly when confronted with memory deficits