Diagnosis

A comprehensive evaluation is needed to diagnose amnesia. This evaluation can rule out other possible causes of memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, depression or a brain tumor.

Medical history

The evaluation starts with a detailed medical history. Because the person with memory loss may not be able to provide thorough information, a family member, friend or another caregiver often may be needed to provide that information.

Your healthcare professional may ask questions to help understand the memory loss. Issues that might be addressed include:

  • The type of memory loss and whether it's recent or long term.
  • When the memory loss started and whether it's gotten worse over time.
  • Factors that may have triggered memory loss, such as a head injury, stroke or surgery.
  • Family history, especially of neurological disease.
  • Drug and alcohol use.
  • Other symptoms such as confusion, trouble with language, personality changes or not being able to perform self-care.
  • History of seizures, headaches, depression or cancer.

Physical exam

The physical exam may include a neurological exam to check reflexes, sensory function and balance.

Cognitive tests

The exam typically includes tests related to thinking, judgment and memory. You'll likely be asked about your knowledge of general information, such as the name of the current president. You also may be asked about personal information and past events. You may be asked to repeat a list of words.

The memory evaluation can help show how serious memory loss is. It also can help your healthcare professional decide what kind of care you may need.

Diagnostic tests

Your healthcare professional may order the following tests:

  • Imaging tests to check for brain damage or changes such as shrinking of the brain. The imaging tests may include an MRI and a CT scan.
  • Blood tests to check for infection, low levels of important nutrients in the body or other issues.
  • An electroencephalogram (EEG) to check for seizure activity.

Treatment

Treatment for amnesia focuses on strategies to help make up for the trouble with memory. It's also important to address any underlying diseases that could be causing amnesia.

Occupational therapy

You may work with an occupational therapist to learn new information and replace information that has been lost. Or you may use the memories you still have as a basis for taking in new information.

Memory training may include strategies for organizing information so that it's easier to remember and for better understanding when talking to others.

Technological assistance

Many people with amnesia find it helpful to use smart technology, such as a smartphone or a hand-held tablet. With some training and practice, even people with serious amnesia can use electronic organizers to help with day-to-day tasks. For example, smartphones can be programmed to give reminders about important events or to take medicines.

Other helpful memory aids include notebooks, wall calendars, pill minders, and photographs of people and places.

Medicines or supplements

No medicines currently are available for treating most types of amnesia.

If Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the cause of the amnesia, treatment can help prevent more damage. But most people won't recover all of their lost memory. Treatment includes replacing thiamin in the body, providing proper nutrition and not drinking alcohol.

If Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the amnesia, treatment with medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors can help with symptoms.

Research may one day lead to new treatments for conditions that affect memory. But the complexity of the brain processes involved makes it unlikely that a single medicine will be able to resolve trouble with memory.

Coping and support

Living with amnesia can be frustrating for those with memory loss and for their family and friends too. People with serious forms of amnesia may require direct assistance from family, friends or professional caregivers.

It can be helpful to talk with others who understand what you're going through. They may be able to provide advice or tips on living with amnesia. Ask your healthcare professional to recommend a support group in your community or online for people with amnesia and their loved ones.

If an underlying cause for the amnesia is found, there are national organizations that can provide more information and support. Examples include:

  • Alzheimer's Association, 800-272-3900 (toll-free).
  • Brain Injury Association of America, 800-444-6443 (toll-free).

Preparing for your appointment

You may start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Or, you may be referred to a specialist in conditions of the brain and nervous system, also called a neurologist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as not eating or drinking before a test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that do not seem related to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medicines, vitamins and other supplements you take, including the doses.
  • Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For amnesia, some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:

  • What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • Will my memory ever come back?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Do I need to restrict any activities?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What websites do you recommend?

Be sure to ask any other questions you may have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

  • When did you first notice your memory loss?
  • Did you experience any other symptoms at that time?
  • Were you involved in any trauma? For example, a car accident, a violent collision in sports or an assault?
  • Did an illness or another event seem to trigger the memory loss?
  • Does anything help improve your memory?
  • What, if anything, appears to make the memory loss worse?
  • Does the trouble with memory come and go or it is constant?
  • Has the memory loss stayed the same or is it getting worse?
  • Did the memory loss come on suddenly or slowly?
Oct. 07, 2025
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