amnesia - partial or total loss of memory; "he has a total blackout for events of the evening"selective amnesia - amnesia about particular events that is very convenient for the person who cannot remember; "why do politicians always develop selective amnesia when questioned about their transgressions?" transient global amnesia - memory disorder seen in middle aged and elderly persons; characterized by an episode of amnesia and bewilderment that lasts for several hours; person is otherwise alert and intellectually active |