What Is Organic Amnestic Syndrome?
An organic amnestic syndrome is a type of amnestic disorder usually diagnosed when there has been a known physical cause of the memory problem. These disorders result from general medical conditions, head trauma, tumors, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. The amnestic disorder can cause structural or chemical damage to brain parts that may lead to the inability to learn or remember new information. The altered memory or learning may vary by the location and severity of the damage to the brain.
The disorder is characterized by brain memory function problems and may be associated with remembering old and newly learned information. There are different types of amnesia that affect memory. Some of the other amnesia disorders may be transient (temporary memory loss), anterograde amnesia (those not able to keep new memories), retrograde (not able to recall learned facts or events before the onset of amnesia), or memory loss with unknown reason.
What Are the Symptoms of Organic Amnestic Syndrome?
Symptoms of the amnestic disorder can vary depending on the underlying cause but generally involve memory impairment.
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Anterograde amnesia, or the inability to generate new memories is the defining symptom of organic amnestic syndrome. Individuals suffering from this sort of amnesia may struggle to recall recent events, discussions, or new knowledge.
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Some people may experience difficulty learning new things, while others may not remember things that just happened.
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It is often associated with an absence of other cognitive thinking problems, such as dementia (loss of memory associated with language and problem-solving) or delirium (confused thinking or reduced awareness of one’s surroundings).
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The symptoms include loss of memory, difficulty learning or recalling information, disorientation with time and space, and lack of insight into memory loss.
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Some people with organic amnestic syndrome may experience confusion and disorientation, especially when trying to navigate new locations or dealing with unusual circumstances.
Amnesia can last for days, months, or even longer. People with amnesia usually require support from their family and friends to fill the gaps in their memory and daily activity functioning.
What Causes Organic Amnestic Syndrome?
Amnesia can be caused by damage to brain structures and is responsible for memory processing. It can also result from damage to the thalamus (present in the middle of the brain and controls the incoming motor and sensory information. As a result, it can cause loss of memories, information, and experiences. The amnestic syndrome involves when people may have trouble remembering new information but are aware of their identity.
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Stroke - It causes when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted from getting sufficient oxygen. Extensive medial temporal lobe damage can impair the retrieval of old memories.
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Head Injury - Mild head injuries may cause amnesia that may be temporary; however, severe head injuries may lead to permanent memory loss.
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Inflammation - Viral infections, such as herpes simplex infection, lead to inflammation in the brain. Specific autoimmune reactions to cancer may also result in inflammation. Infections in the brain, such as encephalitis (cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus leading to inflammation of the brain), Lyme disease (a tick-borne disease-causing multi-system illness), syphilis (a bacterial infection that spreads by sexual contact), and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).
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Lack of Oxygen Supply - Certain conditions, like carbon monoxide poisoning, heart attacks, or respiratory distress, can reduce the blood supply to the brain and cause transient amnesia.
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Alcohol - Long-term use of alcohol causes a deficiency of vitamin B-1, also known as thiamin. Vitamin B-1 helps in improving concentration and memory, causing a positive effect on brain functioning.
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Tumors - The presence of tumors in the areas of the brain that control memory can be a predisposing factor to the amnestic syndrome.
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Alzheimer’s Disease - Certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are involved in the degeneration of the nerve tissues and can lead to permanent amnesia.
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Seizures - People with a predisposed history of seizures may develop amnesia. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, can too affect memory.
How to Diagnose Organic Amnestic Syndrome?
A comprehensive evaluation is needed to rule out other possible causes of amnesia or memory loss, like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or depression. It may include the following.
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Medical History - A detailed medical history with the help of family members and friends can provide insight into preexisting medical conditions. The healthcare provider may question factors that trigger the problem, family history of neurological disease, drug and alcohol abuse, history of seizures, headaches, or depression.
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Physical Examination - A thorough physical examination includes the functioning of sensory reflexes and balance.
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Diagnostic Tests - Imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), can help locate the brain's damage and the associated changes. Blood tests can help to check for infections and nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B1). Performing electroencephalograms or an EEG can detect seizure activity.
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Cognitive Tests - Performing tests that involve sharing personal information and past events can provide the healthcare provider with general information on the extent of memory loss.
How to Treat Organic Amnestic Syndrome?
It is vital to address the underlying situation that leads to memory problems. No medications are available yet for amnesia. Therefore, the healthcare provider must focus on strategies to make up for memory loss.
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Occupational Training - The person is memory trained by using strategies for organizing information and understanding ways to retain the information in mind. Cognitive rehabilitation involves teaching new skills to patients with anterograde amnesia (When new memories do not form after the event is over).
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Using Technology - The use of low-tech memory aids, such as smartwatches, phones, and tablets, can be programmed to help keep information. For example, marking on calendars, notebooks, pills, minders, and photographs can benefit people with severe amnesia.
Conclusion
The organic amnestic syndrome results from damage to the brain or the presence of lesions that result in memory loss. It may be temporary or permanent, depending on the location of the trauma. Occupational therapists can help family members and friends with their role as caregivers. A healthy lifestyle and exercise can help to stay physically and mentally active. Reducing smoking and alcohol, managing stress, and connecting with loved ones can help reduce the risk of related diseases.
