Skip to main content
Tags: long-term | memory loss | causes

Long-Term Memory Loss: 10 Things That Can Cause It

By    |   Friday, 27 May 2016 03:48 PM EDT

Long-term memory loss is when someone has difficulty recalling memories stored in the neocortex. Those with long-term memory loss can create new memories, they just can’t retrieve some or all of their stored memories.

Here are some things that can cause long-term memory loss.

Neurosurgeon: This Brain Formula Saves Your Memory

1. Many people associate memory loss with Alzheimer’s disease, and this can be one cause of long-term memory loss. The disease is causes progressive loss of brain cells, with more and more memories being affected, typically over a period of years.

2. A head injury can harm the part of the brain that stores memories. Sometimes it’s just a temporary effect of swelling or bruising, and long-term memory comes back once the injury heals.

3. Sleep deprivation can lead to an inability to consolidate and recall information.

4. Sleep apnea causes sufferers to stop breathing briefly many times throughout the night, and can interfere with spatial navigational memory, such as remembering directions or where you put your keys.

5. Depression negatively impacts the ability to pay attention and focus.

6. Deficiencies of vitamin B1 and B12 can cause impaired memory and memory loss.

Doctor: The Key to Your Brain Is Circulation

A number of different medications can cause memory loss, including the following:

7. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can cause memory loss, since they have a sedative effect, says AARP.

8. Pain medications and sleeping pills can cause long term memory-loss, which is sometimes temporary until the drugs leave the system.

9. Statins pull cholesterol from all of the body’s tissues, and if they do this too rapidly, memory loss can be one of the effects, since cholesterol is needed for memory processes in the body.

10. Incontinence drugs and antihistamines can cause memory loss because they block chemicals involved in forming memories.

Warning: Your Brain May Die Before Your Body, Take Steps Now

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FastFeatures
Long-term memory loss is when someone has difficulty recalling memories stored in the neocortex. Those with long-term memory loss can create new memories, they just can't retrieve some or all of their stored memories.
long-term, memory loss, causes
317
2016-48-27
Friday, 27 May 2016 03:48 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved