anterograde amnesia

Full Definition

Anterograde amnesia refers to the impaired ability to encode, consolidate, or retrieve new information following the onset of brain injury, disease, or neurological trauma. Unlike retrograde amnesia which affects previously stored memories, anterograde amnesia specifically impacts the formation of new episodic and semantic memories. This condition is commonly assessed in neuropsychological evaluations to determine the extent of memory dysfunction and guide rehabilitation planning.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from retrograde amnesia in clinical documentation; specify onset timing relative to injury.

In Context

• "The patient demonstrated severe anterograde amnesia, unable to recall any events from the past three weeks following his traumatic brain injury." — Neuropsychological report
• "Anterograde amnesia was evident on formal testing, with the patient showing profound deficits in delayed recall tasks." — Clinical assessment documentation