3 Amnestic Syndrome

This chapter focuses on the amnestic syndrome or an impairment in the ability to form new memories. The chapter first describes the history of amnestic disorder and provides a background on memory and memory function. Descriptions of the four amnestic syndromes (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, transient global amnesia, mild cognitive impairment, and hysterical amnesia) are then provided. Finally, the etiology, evaluation, and treatment of amnestic syndrome are described.