Amnesia refers to the loss of memories, such as facts, information and experiences. People with amnesia, also called amnestic syndrome, may have trouble learning new information and forming new memories.

The two main features of amnesia are difficulty learning new information (anterograde amnesia) and difficulty remembering past events and previously familiar information (retrograde amnesia).

Most people with amnesia have problems with their short-term memory and retaining information. The most recent memories are likely to be lost first, whereas deep memories or experiences from childhood will be retained. Some people will have trouble telling you what they had for breakfast yet will remember the name of their favourite primary school teacher.

Amnesia doesn’t affect a person’s intelligence, general knowledge, awareness, attention span, personality, judgement or identity. They may understand that they have a memory disorder. Amnesia isn’t the same as dementia, which includes memory loss, but also will involve significant cognitive problems that lead to a decline in daily function.

Amnesia sufferers may create false memories, either misplaced in time, or completely fabricated. They may also suffer from confusion and disorientation.

Amnesia can result from damage to the brain structure that form your limbic system, which controls your emotions and memories. This is known as neurological amnesia, and could be cause by a stroke, brain inflammations, lack of oxygen to the brain, tumors, seizures, degenerative brain diseases and certain medications.

Head injuries that cause concussion can also lead to confusion and problems remembering new information, especially in the first stages of recovery. Mild head injuries to not typically cause permanent memory loss, but more severe head injuries may cause permanent amnesia.

A rare form of amnesia which stems from emotional shock or trauma is called dissociative amnesia. In this disorder a person may lose personal memories or autobiographical information, but usually only briefly.

Amnesia varies in severity, and even mild amnesia can take a toll on daily life.

Treatment for amnesia focuses on techniques and strategies to help make up for the memory problem. An occupational therapist will help you learn new information to replace what is lost, or to use intact memories as a basis for taking on new information. Many people with amnesia will find the use of smart technology helpful, for example reminders can be set to remind people to take their medications.

There are currently no medications available for most types of amnesia.