Many aging persons gradually develop noticeable difficulties in memory, at first for names, then for events, and sometimes even occasionally for spatial relationships. This widely experienced, so-called benign forgetfulness bears no proven relationship to degenerative dementia, but may be a forewarning, since some similarities are hard to overlook. Transient global amnesia is the sudden appearance of severe, forgetful confusion lasting from as little as 30 to 60 min to as long as 12 hours or more. It is an unusual but not uncommon syndrome. During severe attacks there is total disorientation except for one's identity, combined with a retrograde memory deficit that can extend back for several years, but which gradually resolves as the attack subsides.
Patients generally have a rapid, total recovery, therefore no treatment is indicated.
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.