What is amnesia?

Amnesia refers specifically to a condition characterized by a loss of memory. This can manifest in various forms, such as an inability to recall past events or an inability to form new memories. The condition may arise from various causes, including psychological factors, brain injury, or neurological diseases.

In the context of cognition, memory is divided into different types, including short-term and long-term memory, and amnesia can affect one or both types. It is distinct from other conditions, such as aphasia, which involves speech and language abilities, and conditions that impact physical mobility. The other choices, such as a loss of speech, mobility, or a temporary state of confusion, do not encompass the full definition of amnesia, which is specifically about memory impairment.