DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m concern that my husband might have transient global amnesia. I accidentally found a note that his deceased wife left, which stated that he had this. Could you explain to me what this condition is, and is there some kind of test to determine if he really has this condition? Can it be corrected, or will it lead to Alzheimer’s disease? What should I look for, and how can I help him? Anything you can tell me will help relieve some of my anxiety. — J.A.C.

ANSWER: Transient global amnesia is a fairly rare neurologic condition whose name tells what you need to know: It is “transient,” lasting less than 24 hours; “global,” meaning it affects your entire memory; and “amnesia,” meaning you lose your memories. Unlike “Hollywood” amnesia, where people can’t remember who they are, transient global amnesia is a loss of recent memories — the past day, month or occasionally even longer. But it lasts a short time and is unlikely to recur. It does not lead to Alzheimer’s.

Transient global amnesia is a much less common cause of abrupt memory loss than other neurologic condition, especially stroke or epilepsy, both of which can cause similar symptoms. So, anyone with sudden memory loss needs urgent evaluation to look for these and other neurologic conditions.

Even though transient global amnesia is very scary when it happens, it is a benign condition in hindsight. Unfortunately, it doesn’t protect you against ALSO getting other memory loss, Alzheimer’s or stroke later on.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 87-year-old WWII veteran, in fairly good health, play golf twice a week and have good blood pressure. I lost my wife of 66 years in September. Our family doctor gave me alprazolam for stress and depression. I am not taking this very often anymore. I still have trouble sleeping. He has put me on 10 mg zolpidem. They help me for exactly five hours, which helps. I am concerned about how long I can take this without it becoming habit-forming or experiencing any side effects. Do you have anything else that would help me get a good night’s sleep? — G.R.

ANSWER: Mourning is normal after the death of a spouse. Mourning can have many of the same symptoms of depression, including sleep disturbances. These typically last six months, but some people have problems for much longer.

Keeping up with your activities and staying in contact with close friends and relatives is very important. Normal grieving can turn to pathologic depression, so stay in touch with your doctor to see if you may need treatment for depression.

All sleeping pills can be habit-forming. All medications can have side effects. The biggest concern about long-term use of sleeping pills are falls, which can be very serious for someone in his 80s. There is also evidence that with long-term use, they increase the risk of car accidents.

I would recommend going to every other day on the zolpidem right away, then gradually take them away completely.

Sleep hygiene techniques are very important. Avoid television or bright lights before bed. Don’t lie in bed for a prolonged time when you know you won’t sleep.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

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