Muistivaje

Muistivaje, commonly translated as a memory deficit, refers to a reduction in the ability to encode, store, or retrieve information. In Finnish medical literature it describes memory problems greater than expected for age, which may occur alone or with broader cognitive impairment. Symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events or names, misplacing items, forgetting familiar procedures, and confusion about time or place.

Causes are diverse and can be reversible or progressive. While some forgetfulness accompanies normal aging, memory deficits may also reflect delirium, mild cognitive impairment, or dementias (including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia), traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, metabolic or nutritional disorders (vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease), sleep disorders, mood disorders, or medications and substances.

Diagnosis typically involves clinical history and cognitive screening (MoCA or MMSE). Additional testing—neuropsychological assessment, laboratory work, and brain imaging (MRI or CT)—helps identify reversible causes and rule out other conditions.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include medical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and compensatory strategies (calendars, reminders). Lifestyle measures such as regular physical activity, social engagement, adequate sleep, and cardiovascular risk management can support memory.

Prognosis varies with cause. Memory deficits due to aging or reversible factors may stabilize or improve, whereas deficits from progressive neurodegenerative diseases tend to worsen.