Our brain is a complex organ that not only holds information, controls memory, thought, and emotions, but also regulates motor skills and our vision. With so much going on, a little forgetfulness can be spared. Scientifically, the memory capacity of the brain is said to be around 2.5 million gigabytes of digital memory, according to Scientific American. Certain studies suggest that the human brain forgets approximately 50% of new information within an hour of learning it.
While older adults are at a greater risk of being forgetful, sometimes even prone to dementia, young people too can be absent-minded for various reasons. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Amit Haldar, Director-Neurology, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata, shares common causes and talks about a condition called pseudodementia.
Also Read: What Causes Memory Loss And Forgetfulness At A Young Age?
What Causes Forgetfulness In Young People
Given the vast information fed to our brain in everyday life, it is normal to forget and look past some of the details. That’s only considered human. However, if you’re forgetful more often that you usually are, Dr Haldar shares a few causes to note:
- Chronic brain infections, such as tuberculosis
- Slow-growing brain tumours
- Endocrine problems like hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B12 deficiency
- HIV
- Substance and drug abuse, including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana
- Heavy metal poisoning, such as lead
- Chronic liver or chronic renal disease
- A major head injury
What Is Pseudodementia?
Dr Haldar refers to pseudodementia as a condition where patients experience symptoms similar to dementia, but are not suffering from it. They may have impaired concentration, problems with speech and language, trouble retrieving words, memory problems, and difficulty organising, making decisions, or planning tasks.
According to him, the most significant cause of pseudodementia is depression, and it can occur in all ages.
The word pseudodementia was first founded by Leslie Kiloh, a foundation professor of psychiatry at the University of New South Wales, in 1961. Another name for it is depressive cognitive disorders, which is characterised by "cognitive and functional impairment imitating neurodegenerative disorders caused secondary to neuropsychiatric symptoms", as per a research published in StatPearls Publishing.
Also Read: Alzheimer’s Disease: How To Reduce Risk Of Memory Loss, Expert Explains
How Is Pseudodementia Different From Dementia?
Dementia is a condition that leads to progressive or persistent loss of memory and abstract thinking, and is often associated with personality change. Dr Haldar says, “It usually has a slow, insidious onset with slow progression, worsening, or some fluctuations.”
In contrast, pseudodementia typically starts abruptly, often following a stressful event, explains the doctor, adding, “Most people with pseudodementia are aware of their cognitive deficits. They tend to highlight their symptoms and seek attention.”
However, patients with true dementia may not be aware of their symptoms. Those with dementia tend to underreport their deficits, the doctor further adds.
Challenges In Diagnosing Pseudodementia
When it comes to pseudodementia, standard investigations, such as CT scans of the brain, brain MRI, or lumbar puncture studies typically don't show any abnormalities, according to the doctor.
Another challenge is the patients' acceptance of the diagnosis. “Many individuals find it hard to accept a psychological basis for their symptoms and continue to seek an organic cause, which adds to the difficulty in diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Dr Haldal notes.
Therefore, proper cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications can sometimes be of help to patients with pseudodementia, the doctor concludes.