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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Temporary Memory Loss?

Today I experienced a memory loss. Couldn t remember getting a haircut, (could have been up to 30 minutes in time), yet I obviously got one. When I came home, called my trainer at the gym as I didn t remember paying him (this was before the haircut). Still, after 5 hours, cannot remember what I talked about or who was in the barbershop with me. What could be causing this memory lapse? Michael
posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015
Twitter Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 20 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

The symptoms like impaired short term memory, forgetfulness in day to day tasks could occur due to a number of reasons. One reason that is possible is nutritional deficiency especially vitamin B12 deficiency. But memory loss is usually not severe.

Early stage of dementia may present with forgetfulness of day to day tasks. It may present with impaired registration and recall of short term memory. Usually these symptoms occur in later age. I would advise you to consult a doctor if such symptoms persist and cause impairment in your daily functioning. Medicines like cognitive enhancers or cholinergic drugs are used commonly. Donepezil, Rivastigmine are commonly used. Piracetam is also helpful in such symptoms. Visit a neuropsychiatrist for details of treatment and for evaluation.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care
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What Causes Temporary Memory Loss?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM The symptoms like impaired short term memory, forgetfulness in day to day tasks could occur due to a number of reasons. One reason that is possible is nutritional deficiency especially vitamin B12 deficiency. But memory loss is usually not severe. Early stage of dementia may present with forgetfulness of day to day tasks. It may present with impaired registration and recall of short term memory. Usually these symptoms occur in later age. I would advise you to consult a doctor if such symptoms persist and cause impairment in your daily functioning. Medicines like cognitive enhancers or cholinergic drugs are used commonly. Donepezil, Rivastigmine are commonly used. Piracetam is also helpful in such symptoms. Visit a neuropsychiatrist for details of treatment and for evaluation. Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care