Memóriazavar

Memóriazavar is a Hungarian term for disturbances of memory function, spanning problems with encoding, storage, or retrieval of information. It covers a range from mild forgetfulness to significant memory loss that impairs daily life. It is not a single diagnosis but a description of memory impairment.

Common forms include short-term memory impairment, retrograde amnesia (loss of past memories), anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories), and delirium-associated memory disturbance. Memory problems may be global or localized to specific domains.

Causes are diverse: neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and other dementias), stroke and vascular disease, traumatic brain injury, infections, metabolic or endocrine disorders (for example thyroid disease or vitamin B12 deficiency), sleep deprivation, substance effects, and certain medications.

Symptoms vary but may include forgetting recent events, repeated questions, disorientation, misplacing items, or difficulty recognizing familiar people. Diagnosis typically combines clinical history, cognitive screening (such as MoCA or MMSE), neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging; blood tests may rule out reversible factors such as infections or metabolic issues.

Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include pharmacologic therapies for dementias, treatment of delirium, cognitive rehabilitation, and the use of memory aids. Lifestyle measures—regular exercise, social activity, adequate sleep, and management of vascular risk factors—can support memory.

Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Some memory disorders progress (as in dementias), while others are reversible with appropriate treatment. Memory problems are more common with aging but can arise at any age after injury or illness.

See also: dementia, amnesia, delirium, cognitive impairment.