Biomaterial Database

Memory impairments: forgetfulness versus amnesia. 1988

B J Boss

School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.

Two varieties of memory disorders can be distinguished--those characterized by the phenomenon of forgetfulness and those characterized by the presence of an amnesic state. Although these two conditions may appear similar, they have different anatomical correlates and functional significance. States of forgetfulness and amnesia arise from different etiologies, have different prognoses and require different therapeutic regimes. The purpose of this article is to distinguish these two varieties of memory disorders and contrast them as to anatomical features, functional differences, etiologies, prognoses and therapeutic management regimes. This should assist the neuroscience nurse to better understand relevant nursing assessment features and plan appropriate therapeutic nursing interventions for the client. Teaching protocols for families and significant others as well as clients with memory impairments should also be enhanced.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008569	Memory Disorders	Disturbances in registering an impression, in the retention of an acquired impression, or in the recall of an impression. Memory impairments are associated with DEMENTIA; CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA; ENCEPHALITIS; ALCOHOLISM (see also ALCOHOL AMNESTIC DISORDER); SCHIZOPHRENIA; and other conditions.	Memory Loss,Age-Related Memory Disorders,Memory Deficits,Memory Disorder, Semantic,Memory Disorder, Spatial,Memory Disorders, Age-Related,Retention Disorders, Cognitive,Semantic Memory Disorder,Spatial Memory Disorder,Age Related Memory Disorders,Age-Related Memory Disorder,Cognitive Retention Disorder,Cognitive Retention Disorders,Deficit, Memory,Deficits, Memory,Memory Deficit,Memory Disorder,Memory Disorder, Age-Related,Memory Disorders, Age Related,Memory Disorders, Semantic,Memory Disorders, Spatial,Memory Losses,Retention Disorder, Cognitive,Semantic Memory Disorders,Spatial Memory Disorders
D008570	Memory, Short-Term	Remembrance of information for a few seconds to hours.	Immediate Recall,Memory, Immediate,Working Memory,Memory, Shortterm,Immediate Memories,Immediate Memory,Immediate Recalls,Memories, Immediate,Memories, Short-Term,Memories, Shortterm,Memory, Short Term,Recall, Immediate,Recalls, Immediate,Short-Term Memories,Short-Term Memory,Shortterm Memories,Shortterm Memory,Working Memories
D009730	Nursing Assessment	Evaluation of the nature and extent of nursing problems presented by a patient for the purpose of patient care planning.	Nursing Protocols,Assessment, Nursing,Protocols, Nursing,Assessments, Nursing,Nursing Assessments,Nursing Protocol,Protocol, Nursing
D010353	Patient Education as Topic	The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs.	Education of Patients,Education, Patient,Patient Education
D011379	Prognosis	A prediction of the probable outcome of a disease based on a individual's condition and the usual course of the disease as seen in similar situations.	Prognostic Factor,Prognostic Factors,Factor, Prognostic,Factors, Prognostic,Prognoses
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000647	Amnesia	Pathologic partial or complete loss of the ability to recall past experiences (AMNESIA, RETROGRADE) or to form new memories (AMNESIA, ANTEROGRADE). This condition may be of organic or psychologic origin. Organic forms of amnesia are usually associated with dysfunction of the DIENCEPHALON or HIPPOCAMPUS. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp426-7)	Amnesia, Dissociative,Amnesia, Global,Amnesia, Hysterical,Amnesia, Tactile,Amnesia, Temporary,Amnesia-Memory Loss,Amnestic State,Amnesia Memory Loss,Amnesia-Memory Losses,Amnesias,Amnesias, Dissociative,Amnesias, Global,Amnesias, Hysterical,Amnesias, Tactile,Amnesias, Temporary,Amnestic States,Dissociative Amnesia,Dissociative Amnesias,Global Amnesia,Global Amnesias,Hysterical Amnesia,Hysterical Amnesias,State, Amnestic,States, Amnestic,Tactile Amnesia,Tactile Amnesias,Temporary Amnesia,Temporary Amnesias