Video - Amnesia, dissociative disorders and delirium: Pathology review

Pathologically, amnesia is defined as a loss of memory despite otherwise normal cognitive function. It can be due to damage to the brain like in stroke, or degenerative diseases that affect the brain. Dissociative disorders are a group of conditions that involve disruptions in consciousness, identity, and/or memory. Delirium is a mental state characterized by alteration of attention, consciousness, and cognition.

Amnesia can be divided into three subtypes: anterograde amnesia, retrograde amnesia, and transient global amnesia. Anterograde amnesia is the inability to form new memories following the onset of amnesia. Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall memories that were formed before the onset of amnesia. Transient global amnesia is a brief episode of complete or nearly complete memory loss.