[Drug associated memory impairment]

There are lots of conditions producing memory impairment. It must be taken into account, not only degenerative diseases like Alzheimer Disease; but also epilepsy, depression, stress, recreational drug abuse, thyroid diseases, etc. In this article we'll comment on one of the more common and current ways of having memory disorders such as some medications currently in use, especially by old people. As physicians, we usually "forget" that many prescription medicines or over the counter remedies could have the potential hazard of producing severe memory impairment or delirium. In our country, benzodiazepines, are one of the most prescribed drugs used to deal with anxiety disorders, and are usually taken chronically almost without professional surveillance producing memory disorders as well as depression, addiction, etc. Other medications, like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, sedatives, cardiological drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be also discussed.