key term - Retrograde amnesia

Definition

Retrograde amnesia is a form of memory loss where an individual cannot recall events that occurred before the onset of the amnesia. This condition often results from damage to areas of the brain responsible for memory storage and retrieval, such as the hippocampus.

Related terms

Anterograde Amnesia: A condition where an individual cannot form new memories after the onset of the disorder, though long-term memories from before the incident may remain accessible.

Hippocampus:

A critical region of the brain involved in forming, organizing, and storing memories.

Cognitive Assessment: A part of the neurological exam that tests memory, reasoning, attention, language, and other mental functions to detect impairments like retrograde amnesia