What is retrograde amnesia?

Retrograde amnesia is defined as the loss of retrograde memory, which the American Psychological Association defines as "the ability to recall events that occurred or information that was acquired prior to a particular point in time, often the onset of illness or physical damage such as brain injury." 

Retrograde amnesia can vary in severity, and the loss of memories can be particularly damaging and affect several areas of a person's life. In severe cases, years or decades of learned information can be forgotten, sometimes permanently. However, support and treatment options may be available.

A detailed overview of retrograde amnesia

Loss of insignificant short-term memory can occur with retrograde amnesia. However, many people can retain older memories. This process is referred to as Ribot's Law. Even in the worst cases of retrograde amnesia, many people maintain possession of memories from their childhood and adolescence.

Symptoms of retrograde amnesia

Retrograde amnesia can significantly affect long-term memory. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition include:

• Difficulty with mental coordination
• General confusion 
• False memories 
• Loss of memories about people, locations, information, and faces that were learned before the incident prompted the amnesia

Retrograde amnesia often affects an individual's ability to recall facts more than skills. Despite forgetting some facts, individuals with this condition may still recall specific skills, such as driving, bike riding, or playing an instrument. 

Depending on the cause of retrograde amnesia, the person may be unable to develop new memories and relearn specific skills.

Causes of retrograde amnesia

There are a variety of incidents and occurrences that can prompt retrograde amnesia. 

Accidents

Accidents resulting from severe head or brain injuries are a leading cause of retrograde amnesia. If these incidents are severe enough to harm parts of the brain that store memories, they can lead to this condition. The severity of the injury may also determine whether retrograde amnesia is temporary or permanent.

Malnutrition and substance use

Other potential causes include a lack of proper nutrition and the use of alcoholic substances. In many cases, these problems cause a vitamin B deficiency. If this deficiency persists, it can lead to retrograde amnesia. Individuals with this condition may struggle to develop new memories or skills.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

Encephalitis 

Encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation caused by viral infections, can also damage parts of the brain that are responsible for storing information and memories. In addition, autoimmune reactions relating to cancer or an autoimmune condition can cause inflammation that affects memory.

Health complications 

Retrograde amnesia is not only linked to physical accidents and particular mental deficiencies. Health complications like strokes, Alzheimer's disease, cardiac arrest, and seizures can also lead to retrograde amnesia if the occurrences are severe and traumatic enough. Strokes of all degrees can be dangerous. Specialists have connected strokes with dementia and loss of visual and verbal recollections. Ultimately, the location of the trauma can impact the severity of potential mental effects.

The diagnosis of retrograde amnesia

Clinical and mental health diagnoses should only be provided by licensed medical doctors with the proper knowledge and expertise to diagnose retrograde amnesia.

In many cases, doctors run tests before diagnosing individuals with retrograde amnesia. Diagnostic tests might include cognitive exams, blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, neurological exams, and electroencephalograms.

Treating retrograde amnesia

There are no medications that are specifically designed to treat retrograde amnesia. However, doctors may provide specific treatments and therapies to counteract this condition. In many cases, the prescribed treatments are related to the ailment that caused this form of amnesia.

The most common treatment methods for retrograde amnesia are occupational therapy, technological solutions, and psychotherapy. The goal of occupational therapy may be for the affected individual to learn new skills and use older memories as tools to store and create new memories. This manner of therapy also tends to involve strategies to process memories, social functioning techniques, and the replacement of lost memories.

With technological solutions, tablets and phones can be valuable tools for individuals to learn and categorize new information. These technological devices may also serve as reference points for previously lost memories. With such technology, it may also be possible for old images, documents, or videos to spark something new or contribute to the replacement or development of a recollection.

Psychotherapy can also prove beneficial in the recovery from retrograde amnesia, especially in cases of severe mental damage due to accidents. Some individuals may benefit from multiple forms of treatment, so consult with your physician or mental health professional to determine the best combination of treatments.

How to prevent retrograde amnesia

There are several healthy habits and precautions that may decrease one's susceptibility to accidents and health incidents that lead to retrograde amnesia. Below are ways you can try to prevent memory loss, like amnesia. 

Avoid substances

Alcohol and substance use can lead to a litany of mental health challenges. Specifically, chronic drinking can lead to dependency and may increase one's risk of stroke. Alcohol may also increase someone's risk of cardiovascular disease, which can eventually cause cardiac arrest. 

Engage in mental activities

While mental activities benefit individuals of all ages, this form of prevention may be constructive for older individuals. The brain can become more vulnerable to sickness with age. However, many people can strengthen their brains, regardless of age. Activities like reading, frequenting new places, and taking recreational classes may keep the brain healthy.

Exercise

Another way to prevent retrograde memory comes in the form of exercise. The benefits of ongoing physical activity include, but are not limited to, the growth of brain cells, reduced chronic pain, higher quality of sleep, reduced risk of chronic diseases, heightened energy, and stronger bones and muscles.

Eat nutritiously

Like exercise, nutritious eating is another habit that can offer various health benefits and may serve as a deterrent against retrograde amnesia. Examples of nutritious foods include unprocessed fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, and whole grains.

Try counseling 

If you or someone for whom you care is experiencing retrograde amnesia, you don't have to go through this process alone. Licensed counselors are available with experience helping people with this type of amnesia. 

If going to a therapist's office is too difficult due to memory loss, you might opt for online therapy, which research has demonstrated to be as effective as traditional in-person therapy. With platforms like BetterHelp, you can communicate with a therapist via videoconferencing, phone, or chat sessions. In addition, you can contact them in between sessions via in-app messaging if you have questions.