SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS IN TEENAGERS

Skipping minor details is normal. But if your teenager is often having a hard time remembering recent events and important information, they may be dealing with what is called short-term memory loss.

For example, if your child does not remember what they did during the day at school or if they often try hard to remember names or places they visit regularly, then they may be having short-term memory issues.

Next, we list a few symptoms to help you know if the teen has a memory loss problem.

Symptoms Of Short-Term Memory Loss In Teens

• Asking the same questions repeatedly
• Forgetting recent events and information
• Unable to recall information that they heard or shared recently
• Often misplacing things and spending time searching them
• Failing at school because they cannot recall what was taught

If such behavior is affecting your child’s day-to-day activities, or the child is lagging in school due to poor memory issues, you should find out the reasons behind it.

Possible Causes For Memory Loss In Teenagers

Causes for poor memory retention could vary from one teen to another. Some common causes are mentioned here.

• Slow learning ability: Some teenagers might be slow learners by nature, which could be the reason for their poor memory and lagging in academics when compared to their peers.
• Medications: Certain medications may also interfere with the memory of your teenager. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications could affect memory. These medications produce a sedative effect, which could make it difficult for them to concentrate and remember information.
• Substance abuse: Studies found that substance abuse, such as alcohol and drug abuse, could lead to alteration of the brain structure and functioning. Heavy consumption of alcohol could also be related to a decrease in memory in adolescents.
• Stress and anxiety: The amygdala and hippocampus regions of the brain are important for processing emotions and retaining them as memories. These are also involved in learning and conditioning. Studies found that children who were exposed to stress and anxiety during their childhood showed alterations in the development of the amygdala and hippocampus, which could be the reason for memory loss during adolescence.

Treatment For Short-Term Memory Loss

The treatment depends on the cause of memory loss, which your doctor would determine and prescribe based on the diagnosis.

• Prescribing alternative medications that might have fewer side effects on the nervous system

• Rehabilitation in the case of substance abuse

• Surgery or chemotherapy for brain tumors

• Counseling and behavioral therapies for depression and anxiety

• Medications and supplements in the case of thyroid and vitamin B12 disturbances

• Closely monitoring the head injury and surgery if necessary

• Monitoring and limiting their screen time and smartphone usage