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What causes memory loss other than Alzheimer's?

Tochter asked...

Recently I had someone mention Lauren Bar disease, or something on that order that might explain my mom's memory loss and other mental problems. I'm sure I didn't say it right, but does anyone know what that is and what causes it? Dee

Expert Answer

Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized as an international expert on advanced dementia care. He is a courtesy full professor at the School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, and visiting professor at the Third Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Twenty-five years ago, he established one of the first dementia special care units.

I do not know about Lauren Bar disease, but what you probably heard was Guillain-Barré disease. This condition causes progressive muscle weakness and sometimes a complete inability to use a particular muscle or muscle group. It develops over days or up to four weeks and lasts several weeks or even months. It is not usually causing memory loss or other mental problems. However, there are many other reasons for memory loss in I hope you will have your mother examined by a neurologist because some of the causes of memory loss may be treatable.