Is memory loss from psychological trauma real, and how is temporary memory loss different from Alzheimer’s?
“Dementia generally has two main types: one that can be completely cured and one that cannot. Cases that can be cured are often due to infections causing brain inflammation, brain tumors, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension, which tend to be treatable to help the brain recover. Cases that cannot be cured usually result from brain cell degeneration due to aging or increasing brain lesions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which is commonly found in elderly people over 60 years old.”
Is memory loss caused by psychological trauma really possible?
Temporary memory loss may result from a loss of balance in the body. Psychologically, humans have two main levels of awareness: the conscious level and the subconscious level. Consciousness is the normal level of awareness, while the subconscious is the part that has already occurred but we do not remember. From the time we are in the womb until about 1-2 years old, the brain continuously receives information, but we cannot remember anything. We start to remember things around kindergarten because information from before that time is stored in the subconscious.
In cases where patients experience severe psychological trauma, like Nong Bell, the mind’s defense mechanism pushes this information down into the subconscious. When they grow up, they can perceive other things, but that event disappears. Some events may cause wounds so deep that neither the conscious nor subconscious can accept them, and those memories will also disappear.
How long does it take for patients with memory loss to recover?
Cases that cannot be completely cured are managed to prevent worsening symptoms. For example, Alzheimer’s patients require continuous care and efforts to reduce risk factors that worsen the disease, such as circulatory system diseases, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or snoring that reduces oxygen supply to the brain, affecting brain cells. If the condition is treatable, such as infections, the duration is not chronic, and the difficulty depends on the cause.
What warning signs indicate that “Alzheimer’s” is approaching?
Memory worsens, with small daily life issues such as forgetting where things are placed or forgetting what you went to get. If this happens frequently, you should get checked because it affects daily life.
Advice for close relatives of those with memory loss: How should they cope?
It is very important to find out the cause first. Seeing a doctor is the best solution. Additionally, love and understanding within the family are crucial because patients with dementia have changes in communication ability, behavior, and emotions. They may feel frustrated and irritated by their forgetfulness. Those around them need to be patient and try to understand these changes.
Temporary memory loss, as depicted in dramas, can really happen due to the mind’s protective mechanism. However, physically, many factors can cause dementia. If abnormalities are found, inform close ones and urgently see a doctor before precious memories fade away.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tantawan Avirutvorakul
Psychiatrist, Brain and Spinal Cord Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
