Missing Himachal Man Returns Home After Regaining Memory 45 Years Later; Doctor Explains Reasons Behind Long-term Memory Loss

Truth can be stranger than fiction. You must have heard this phrase. One recent news yet again brought this phrase into notice. The story of a missing Himachal man is making headlines. His tale seems to be right out of a movie. The man, who lost his memory when he was 16, miraculously returns home after 45 years. Let us tell you more about this.

To understand more about long-term memory loss, its causes and symptoms, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv, Senior Consultant - Neurology and Head of Epilepsy Services, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Himachal Man Regains Memory After 45 Years

Let us first begin by telling you the extraordinary tale of the missing Himachal man. The man named Rikhi Ram, belonged to the Nadi village in the Sataun area of Sirmaur district. The now 62-year-old man went missing in 1980, when he was just 16. This is because he lost his memory completely after an accident.

On November 15, the man again met with an accident – but this time it helped him regain his memory. He found his way home after the head injury, and reunited with their family. His parents are no more, but his siblings were immensely happy to see him after ages. They welcomed him with tears and garlands.

Can Memory Loss Last For Decades?

What makes this Himachal man’s story extraordinary is that he got back his memory after almost a century. What makes a person suffer from long-term memory loss? And can it last for a decade? Our expert answers this for us.

“Yes, memory loss can last for decades, and this usually happens when the brain is affected by serious and long-lasting conditions that damage the areas responsible for storing and recalling memories, such as severe head injuries, repeated strokes, long-term infections, oxygen loss to the brain, or progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease,” answers Dr Rajiv.

He adds that memory can also remain lost for many years when a person experiences deep emotional trauma or psychological shock, which may lead to a condition called dissociative amnesia, where the mind blocks painful memories to protect the person. “In such cases, memories may stay hidden for a very long time and return only when the person feels safe or receives proper therapy. Sometimes, people who wander away after losing their memory start a new life without realising something is wrong, and because there is no treatment or support, the memory loss continues for decades. Recovery depends on the cause, early care, and the person’s overall health,” shares the expert.

How Long Does Memory Loss Usually Last?

Not every person suffering from memory loss faces the same fate – of living in the unknown for four decades. The duration of a memory loss completely depends on the patient’s health and the case history.

“Memory loss can last for a short time or many years depending on the cause, and it usually improves faster when the problem is due to stress, shock, or a minor injury, but it can last much longer when it is caused by brain damage, stroke, long-term illness, or age-related conditions like dementia,” says Dr Rajiv.

“In many cases, temporary memory loss may improve within days, weeks, or months with rest, treatment, and support, while more serious memory problems can continue for several years or even become permanent if the brain cells are badly affected. Some people regain their memories slowly over time as the brain heals, but others may only recover part of their lost memory and continue to rely on family support and medical care. The duration of memory loss depends on early diagnosis, regular treatment, and the person’s overall health, and recovery is usually better when help is taken quickly,” explains Dr Rajiv.

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What Causes Complete Memory Loss? Know Its Signs And Symptoms

Speaking about the causes of complete memory, Dr Rajiv shares, “Complete memory loss can happen when the brain is affected by a serious injury, long-term illness, severe infection, stroke, or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and it can also occur after extreme emotional shock or stress, and in all these situations the brain struggles to store or recall past information, making the person forget who they are or where they came from.”

On this note, the expert shares the signs and symptoms of complete memory loss:

• Forgetting personal details like name, age, or address.
• Not recognising family members.
• Getting confused about time or place.
• Repeating the same questions.
• Struggling to learn new information.
• Losing the ability to perform daily tasks.
• Showing sudden changes in behaviour or mood because the person feels lost or scared.

“Sometimes the person may wander away, appear disoriented, or live with a different identity without realising something is wrong, and these symptoms usually continue until proper medical help is given,” concludes Dr Rajiv.

Also Read: Alzheimer's Stages: Symptoms As The Disease Progresses

The Final Word

Memory loss can last for decades, and this usually happens when the brain is affected by serious and long-lasting conditions that damage the areas responsible for storing and recalling memories, such as severe head injuries, repeated strokes, long-term infections, oxygen loss to the brain, or progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.