Anterograde amnesia

In anterograde amnesia (also: Ekmnesie ) is massively reduces the memory for new contents of consciousness. So new things can be obtained only for one or two minutes in memory before they are forgotten.

Reasons are the failure of the main circuit neurons in the limbic system ( Papez circuit ) or the demise of neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert ( Alzheimer's disease).

Not, for example, in post-traumatic amnesia with loss of consciousness due to concussion, in the time of confusion after waking anterograde amnesia occurs and also a memory lapse regarding the events immediately prior to the traumatic event - The anterograde amnesia often occurs in combination with a retrograde amnesia can be closed (retrograde amnesia). Anterograde amnesia is within the scope of an amnestic syndrome, frequently associated with a severe retrograde amnesia, which often extends over decades, while Korsakoff's syndrome before, are affected by the 5% of all chronic alcoholics. Above all, episodic memory ( autobiographical memory ) is - severely compromised, often leads to confabulation, an objectively false statement caused but by a distorted memory or malfunction in the retrieval of memory contents, of the correctness of testifying - with intact general knowledge and intelligence is convinced and with whom he bridged gaps in memory unconsciously.

In general, benzodiazepines and other hypnotics also cause anterograde amnesia. Originally ( drug triazolam ) was discovered during administration of Halcion that do not remember the patient to events from the time under the influence of the drug. Accordingly, this is referred to as " Halcion effect". It can be medically desirable elective surgery. For this example, midazolam is used for this effect and for anxiolysis as premedication.

Anterograde amnesia in art

In the movie Memento by Christopher Nolan, the protagonist suffering from anterograde amnesia. So that the spectators can better empathize with its location, the film is told achronologisch.

Other films in which people suffer from anterograde amnesia, 50 First Dates and hibernators.