However, since this may involve potential poor cerebral circulation due to atherosclerosis, a work-up may be indicated. If there is a personal or family history of cerebrovascular disease, it is suggested that the atherosclerosis protocol be followed and a consideration given to chelation therapy. Amnesia can also be caused by acute or long-term alcohol use. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for treating the cognitive impairment associated with long-term alcohol use. However, this does not include the defects associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs which are primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
They are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs sold. One of the problems associated with long-term use of these drugs, particularly in the elderly, is memory loss. Since aging is inherently associated with some degree of increasing memory impairment and the elderly population is prone to insomnia, prescribing benzodiazepines is problematic. In fact, benzodiazepines are specifically administered to patients prior to surgery because they cause anterograde amnesia. Patients who have not been given a benzodiazepine preoperatively have complained of remembering surgery, and this resulted in law suits.