amnestic

Amnestic is an adjective used in medicine and psychology to describe memory loss or conditions characterized by memory impairment. The term derives from the Greek word for forgetfulness, and in clinical use it often refers to syndromes in which memory formation or recall is disrupted. The most common manifestations are anterograde amnesia, the inability to form new memories, and retrograde amnesia, the loss of previously established memories. Many amnestic conditions involve preserved functioning in other cognitive domains and can be temporary or chronic.

Common causes include head injury, stroke, certain neurodegenerative diseases, alcohol-related brain damage such as Korsakoff syndrome, and transient events like transient global amnesia. Medications or anesthetics can also produce short-lived amnestic effects, notably benzodiazepines and other agents that impair memory formation. In some cases, amnestic syndromes occur as part of broader diagnoses such as dementias or neurocognitive disorders, or as a primary diagnosis historically labeled amnestic disorder in older manuals.

Evaluation of an amnestic presentation typically involves memory testing, imaging studies, and assessment of daily functioning to determine etiology and prognosis. Treatment centers on addressing the underlying cause, supporting memory through strategies and rehabilitation, and ensuring safety. Prognosis varies widely—from complete recovery after a transient event to persistent impairment in chronic conditions.

In everyday language, amnestic may describe someone with noticeable memory problems or refer to events that cause memory loss. In research and clinical contexts, it is used to categorize memory-specific deficits or to describe the effects of interventions on memory.