US Medical Term · symptoms
Memory Loss
Pérdida de memoria
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Memory Loss |
| Spanish (Español) | Pérdida de memoria |
| Chinese (中文) | 記憶喪失 |
| Korean (한국어) | 기억 상실 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mất trí nhớ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pagkawala ng memorya |
| Portuguese (Português) | Perda de memória |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สูญเสียความทรงจำ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 記憶喪失 |
What it means
Memory loss refers to difficulty recalling recent or past events, learning new information, or recognizing familiar people and places. Short-term memory loss is common with aging, stress, and poor sleep. Causes of significant memory loss include vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, depression, medication side effects, alcohol use, stroke, head trauma, and dementia. Sudden memory loss, especially after a head injury or possible stroke, is an emergency — call 911. If memory problems are worsening gradually over weeks or months, schedule a full evaluation with your doctor as soon as possible. Early assessment leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been forgetting conversations and appointments that happened just a day or two ago.
He estado olvidando conversaciones y citas que ocurrieron hace uno o dos días.
My husband sometimes does not remember our children's names, which worries me greatly.
Mi esposo a veces no recuerda los nombres de nuestros hijos, lo que me preocupa mucho.
I lost my memory for several hours after hitting my head and cannot recall what happened.
Perdí la memoria por varias horas después de golpearme la cabeza y no recuerdo qué pasó.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R41 Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awarenessRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026