Memory impairment

Abstract This chapter focuses on memory impairment, particularly amnesia caused by brain injury. It distinguishes between anterograde amnesia, which affects the ability to form new memories, and retrograde amnesia, which involves the loss of pre-existing memories. The hippocampus plays a critical role in memory consolidation, and its damage leads to significant impairments, as seen in patients like HM and NA. The chapter also explores psychogenic amnesia, including dissociative states such as fugue and multiple personality disorder. Finally, it highlights the importance of brain imaging and clinical assessments in diagnosing and understanding memory disorders.