Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. The classical multi-store model categorizes memory into sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Each memory type serves a specific role in information retention. SM has a large capacity but rapidly decays within milliseconds. Information that persists in SM is transferred to STM, which can hold memories for several seconds. STM has a smaller capacity compared to SM. Eventually, select information from STM is transferred to LTM for long-term storage (Tripathy & Öǧmen, 2018).

Memory loss refers to the inability to recall past events or knowledge, which can be partial or total. Forgetfulness is common and mild, experienced by most individuals at some point. Amnesia involves a complete loss of memories, including personal history. While aging contributes to memory decline, other factors can cause severe or premature memory loss requiring treatment and support.

Common types of memory loss include:

• Age-associated memory loss: Decline in memory performance due to aging.
• Delirium: Acute cognitive disturbance often caused by medical conditions, medications, or drug withdrawal.
• Dementia: Symptoms caused by brain disorders, significantly affecting cognitive function, including memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause, characterized by progressive memory decline (Brejjyeh & Karaman, 2020).
• Drug effects: Certain therapeutic and recreational drugs can impair memory, such as benzodiazepines.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): A transitional stage between normal aging and dementia (Anderson, 2019).

Risk factors for memory loss can be non-modifiable (e.g., age, genetics) or modifiable (e.g., education, physical health, lifestyle choices). Identifying these factors is essential for addressing and managing memory loss effectively."

Version 3: "Memory encompasses the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. According to the classical multi-store model, human memory is divided into sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Each memory system serves a distinct function in processing and retaining information. SM has a large capacity but rapidly decays within milliseconds. Persistent information in SM is transferred to STM, which can retain memories for several seconds. STM, with a smaller capacity, transfers select information to LTM for long-term storage (Tripathy & Öǧmen, 2018).

Memory loss refers to the inability to recall past events or information, which can range from mild forgetfulness to complete amnesia. Forgetfulness is common and benign, experienced by nearly everyone. Amnesia, however, involves a profound loss of memories, including personal identity. While aging is a typical cause of memory decline, other factors can lead to more severe or premature memory loss requiring intervention and support.

Common types of memory loss include:

• Age-associated memory loss: Decline in memory performance due to aging.
• Delirium: Acute cognitive disturbance often triggered by medical conditions, medications, or drug withdrawal.
• Dementia: Symptom collection resulting from brain disorders significantly impacting cognitive function, including memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause, characterized by progressive memory decline (Brejjyeh & Karaman, 2020).
• Drug effects: Some therapeutic and recreational drugs can disrupt memory, such as benzodiazepines.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): A transitional phase between normal aging and dementia (Anderson, 2019).

Risk factors for memory loss can be non-modifiable (e.g., age, genetics) or modifiable (e.g., education, physical health, lifestyle choices). Identifying these factors is crucial for addressing and managing memory loss effectively.