What Are the Causes of Mental Fog, Loss of Memory & Forgetfulness?

Things like memory loss, forgetfulness, and mental fog are not uncommon, therefore, trying to pinpoint their cause is often difficult. If the memory loss is severe, it may be a sign of something serious, and medical advice should be sought.

Aging

Memory loss is common as one ages. If aging is the primary cause of forgetfulness, then mental exercises, like sudoku and crosswords, can be performed to improve memory.

Brain Damage

Brain damage can cause forgetfulness. This mental fog may be caused by direct head trauma or brain surgery.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Long-term electroconvulsive therapy can cause mental fog. Depression itself may also cause this.

Strokes and Seizures

Forgetfulness may be caused by a stroke. Seizures can also produce similar side effects.

Substance Abuse

Frequent alcohol use can impair mental functions such as memory. This can also come from other drug abuse.

Medications

Medications may cause memory loss. The medications that can do this range from anesthetics to barbiturates.

References

• Harvard
• Medline Plus
• University of Maryland