Short-term memory refers to information that people can remember for a short period of time immediately after receiving it. Show
People with short-term memory loss have problems remembering pieces of information they just received. Numerous physical and psychological conditions can cause short-term memory loss, and the treatment will depend on the cause. Keep reading to learn more about what short-term memory and short-term memory loss are, including some causes of short-term memory loss, treatment options, and when to speak with a doctor. What is short-term memory?Share on PinterestPaul Viant/Getty Images Short-term memory refers to the memory systems in the brain involved in remembering pieces of information for a short period of time, often up to30 seconds. Short-term memory creates a kind of “visuospatial” sketch of information the brain has recently absorbed and will process into memories later on. By some estimates, short-term memory can hold around seven items of information at one time. Information can move from short-term memory into long-term memory, where the brain permanently stores the information for future recall when necessary. Long-term memory does not seem to have a specific limit or maximum capacity. Information held in long-term memory is usually related to how a person performs a skill, or to rules, events, facts, and concepts. Short-term memory and are sometimes thought of as the same thing, but they are not. Short-term memory is the memory systems involved in the temporary holding of pieces of information. Working memory refers to the brain processes that allow the manipulation and use of stored information. Short-term memory lossShort-term memory loss, or short-term memory impairment, is when someone cannot retain information in the short term, or forgets information they have just received. Sporadically forgetting pieces of new information happens to almost everyone. It is especially easy to forget new information if someone is not completely paying attention, is distracted, or does not make an effort to remember the information. People should be aware that mild forgetfulness is also a typical part of aging. That said, when someone forgets important information frequently enough to interfere with their ability to function in daily life, they may be experiencing short-term memory loss linked to a specific health condition. Some common signs of short-term memory loss include:
Causes of short-term memory lossA long list of different factors and conditions can cause short-term memory loss. Some of the more common conditions associated with short-term memory loss include: AgingAs someone ages, changes in their brain tend to slowly develop, which can make them more forgetful than they were before. Butresearchsuggests that memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging, and as someone ages, their brain actually can retain the ability to create new brain cells and form new nerve connections. Neurodegenerative diseasesNeurodegenerative diseases cause nerves in the brain and peripheral nervous system to lose function and die over time. Many neurodegenerative diseases can cause short-term memory loss. Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases associated with short-term memory loss include:
Head injuryMany types of injury can damage brain cells and potentially cause temporary or permanent short-term memory loss. Learn more about head injuries here. InfectionChronic or severe infection in the brain and other parts of the body can cause memory loss. Examples include HIV and encephalitis. TumorsTumors, either cancerous or benign, as well as other abnormal growths on the brain, can potentially interfere with brain functioning and impact short-term memory. Learn more about the early signs of a brain tumor here. Stroke and cardiac arrestA stroke or heart attack can cause brain damage by depriving the brain of oxygen. MedicationsMany medications that impact brain functioning can cause temporary memory loss as a side effect. Some medications commonly linked with memory problems include:
Sleep deprivationNot getting enough sleep can impair brain functioning. This can result in temporary short-term memory loss. Learn more about sleep deprivation here. Chronic pain conditionsSeveral conditions that cause chronic pain, such as some types of arthritis, can cause a series of cognitive problems known collectively as brain fog. People with brain fog tend to be more forgetful, have a hard time learning and remembering new information, and have trouble retrieving memories correctly. EpilepsyEpilepsy can make it more difficult to process information, form and store memories, and recall information. OtherSeveral other conditions can cause short-term memory loss. Less common causes of short-term memory loss include:
Psychological causes of short-term memory lossSome psychological conditions can cause short-term memory loss. The most common mental health conditions related to short-term memory loss include: DepressionMany people with depression experience memory problems. In a 2018 study assessing a primarily Caribbean Hispanic, stroke-free group of older adults, more severe depression correlated with worse memory problems, smaller cerebellums, and an increased risk of brain infarcts (areas of tissue death caused by a lack of adequate blood supply). Learn more about depression here. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)People with PTSDmay experience changesin their brain functioning and brain chemistry. These may impact cognitive abilities, in particular memory. Learn more about PTSD here. Substance abuseMisuse or overuse of substances such as recreational drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes can cause temporary or permanent memory loss, according toresearch from 2010. Severe stressPeople experiencing extreme, severe, or prolonged stress may also experience a reduction in their cognitive abilities, which, according to2007 research, may include memory problems. Treatment for short-term memory lossTreatment for short-term memory loss primarily depends on the cause. Common treatments for short-term memory loss based on the underlying condition or cause include:
Dementia caused by irreversible neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease, requires medical and lifestyle management rather than treatment in the hope of restoring memory loss. There is no medication approved to cure, treat, or prevent conditions that cause irreversible memory loss, though a few are available that may help manage other symptoms in people with early and mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease, such as:
A new medication called aducanumabmay actuallyslow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing amyloid plaques (brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease) though researchers have yet to prove this effect in a clinical setting. Exercises and remedies for improving short-term memoryThere are some things people can do to manage short-term memory loss and, in some cases, even help improve short-term memory. Tips for handling short-term memory loss include the following:
Plenty of over-the-counter medications and supplements claim to boost memory or restore memory loss. But theNational Institute of Aging (NIA)suggests staying away from these self-proclaimed “cures.” The NIA states that unproven memory treatments can cause health problems, waste money, and even interfere with other medications. Learn more about ways to help improve memory here. When to contact a doctorIf memory issues start to interfere with a person’s functioning or quality of life, they should contact a doctor. People should also contact a doctor if they are worried about their memory, or think they have more memory issues than most other people their age. Summary Short-term memory is a person’s ability to remember small amounts of information for a short period of time. Short-term memory loss is sometimes a part of typical aging, but could be a symptom of several health conditions, both psychological and physical. When short-term memory loss interferes with daily functioning or quality of life, people should contact a doctor, especially if memory loss becomes frequent or severe. What is shortSo, cognitive psychologists divide memory into the first 15-30 seconds, and they call this short-term memory, and alllllll the rest of memory that lasts beyond 30 seconds is long-term memory.
Does shortThe Magic number 7 (plus or minus two) provides evidence for the capacity of short term memory. Most adults can store between 5 and 9 items in their short-term memory.
Why is shortShort-term memory often encompasses events over a period anywhere from 30 seconds to several days. Because short-term memories need to be recalled for a lesser amount of time than long-term memories, the ability of the brain to store short-term items is more limited.
Is shortShort-term memory has a fairly limited capacity; it can hold about seven items for no more than 20 or 30 seconds at a time. You may be able to increase this capacity somewhat by using various memory strategies.
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