Yes, TB can cause memory loss, particularly in cases of tuberculous meningitis (TB meningitis).
While not a common symptom of pulmonary TB (affecting the lungs), memory loss is a recognized complication of TB meningitis, a severe form of the disease where the infection affects the brain and its surrounding membranes. The reference case highlights an elderly patient with TB meningitis presenting as dementia, indicating cognitive impairment including memory loss.
How TB Meningitis Leads to Memory Loss
TB meningitis can damage brain tissue and disrupt normal brain function, leading to:
- Inflammation: The inflammation caused by the infection can directly damage neurons and interfere with synaptic transmission, essential for memory consolidation.
- Increased Intracranial Pressure: The infection can lead to increased pressure within the skull, compressing brain tissue and disrupting blood flow, which can impair cognitive function, including memory.
- Vascular Damage: TB meningitis can affect blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke or other vascular events that can cause memory loss and other neurological deficits.
Case Presentation: TB Meningitis Mimicking Dementia
The reference case underscores a crucial point: TB meningitis can sometimes present atypically, lacking the classic symptoms of fever, neck stiffness, and headache. In elderly patients, it can manifest as dementia and impaired consciousness, making diagnosis challenging. This highlights the importance of considering TB meningitis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with risk factors for TB exposure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize neurological damage and improve outcomes in TB meningitis. Treatment involves a prolonged course of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent neurological deficits, including memory loss.
