Memory Loss Due to Medical Conditions

A number of medical conditions can lead to memory problems, and in some cases treatment of the underlying illness can reverse or reduce the memory deficit. These conditions include hormonal imbalances due to thyroid disease or Cushing disease (overproduction of steroid hormones by the adrenal gland); infectious diseases including AIDS, neurosyphilis and chronic meningitis resulting from fungal infections or tuberculosis; tumors of the frontal or temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex; subdural hematoma (a collection of blood between the skull and the brain); normal pressure hydrocephalus (caused by excess fluid in the brain); and vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12).

Last Updated: 3/17/2003
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