Fact 2: TGA Mostly Affects Older Adults
Though transient global amnesia can affect individuals of any age, statistics show that it predominantly impacts older adults, typically those over the age of 50. According to epidemiological data, the incidence of TGA tends to increase with age, peaking around the seventh decade of life.
It’s interesting to note that despite being potentially experienced at any age, the reasons for TGA predominantly occurring in older adults are not entirely clear. Some theories propose that age-related changes in brain structure or function may make individuals more susceptible to TGA episodes. However, this is only a theory, and the precise correlation between age and TGA remains unknown.
That being said, the age factor is an important aspect to consider in the clinical evaluation of memory loss. While TGA is a benign condition that resolves quickly, other serious neurological conditions also present with memory disturbances and are more common in older adults. Therefore, an episode of memory loss in this age group should always be taken seriously and evaluated promptly.
This tendency of TGA to affect older adults underscores the importance of understanding this condition, especially for those in the age group most commonly affected. Being equipped with this knowledge can help individuals and their caregivers navigate the sudden and temporary memory loss that defines TGA. (2)
