Differential Diagnosis for Memory Loss in a 14-Year-Old Boy

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This condition is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Memory issues, particularly with remembering instructions or details, are common in ADHD due to difficulties with sustained attention and working memory.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Anxiety or Depression: These mental health conditions can significantly impact cognitive functions, including memory. Stress and preoccupation with personal issues can impair the ability to focus and encode new information into memory.
• Sleep Disorders: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can lead to difficulties with memory consolidation and retrieval. Adolescents, in particular, need adequate sleep for cognitive development and function.
• Learning Disabilities: Conditions such as dyslexia or other learning disabilities can sometimes manifest with difficulties in memory, especially if the individual struggles with encoding information due to challenges in processing or understanding it.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: While less common, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological symptoms, including memory loss. This is particularly relevant if the adolescent follows a strict vegan diet without proper supplementation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Traumatic Brain Injury: Even mild head injuries can result in cognitive symptoms, including memory problems. It's crucial to inquire about any history of head trauma.
• Infections (e.g., Meningitis, Encephalitis): Certain infections can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to memory loss among other symptoms. Early recognition is critical for effective treatment.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., Juvenile Huntington's Disease): Although rare, these conditions can present with cognitive decline, including memory loss, in adolescents.
• Hypothyroidism: Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to cognitive impairments, including memory issues. This condition is important to identify due to its treatable nature.

Rare Diagnoses

• Neurocutaneous Syndromes (e.g., Tuberous Sclerosis Complex): These genetic disorders can lead to cognitive and neurological symptoms, including memory problems, due to the growth of non-cancerous tumors in various parts of the body, including the brain.
• Mitochondrial Disorders: These are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, affecting energy production within cells. They can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including cognitive difficulties and memory loss.
• Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the body, particularly in the liver, brain, and other vital organs. Neurological symptoms, including memory loss, can occur if not treated promptly.

Each of these potential causes highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, psychological assessment, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of memory loss in a 14-year-old boy.