What distinguishes retrograde amnesia from anterograde amnesia?

Retrograde amnesia is characterized by the inability to recall past memories that were formed before the onset of the condition. This type of amnesia impacts an individual's ability to access previously stored information, often as a result of brain injury or trauma. In contrast, anterograde amnesia affects the ability to form new memories after the event that caused the amnesia. Individuals with anterograde amnesia can recall memories from before the injury but struggle to remember anything new that occurs afterward.

Therefore, the distinction lies in their temporal focus: retrograde amnesia revolves around past memories, while anterograde amnesia pertains to the formation of future memories. This understanding helps clarify the separate nature of each condition and how they impact memory functioning in different ways.