Noun | 1. | ![]() cognitive state, state of mind - the state of a person's cognitive processes anterograde amnesia, posttraumatic amnesia - loss of memory for events immediately following a trauma; sometimes in effect for events during and for a long time following the trauma retrograde amnesia - loss of memory for events immediately preceding a trauma forgetfulness - tendency to forget 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 |