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What is Prosopagnosia Or Face Blindness?

A neurological disorder called prosopagnosia can prevent you from recognizing people and places.

ByMonica Cull
Credit:Tomas Urbelionis/Shutterstock

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Sometimes, people claim they forget names easily, but would remember a face. But what if you can’t recognize someone’s face, even if you know them well? Recently, there is attention around a neurological disorder called prosopagnosia or ‘face blindness.’ The disorder makes it difficult for someone to recognize faces. According to the National Health Service, prosopagnosia impacts about one in 50 people.

Those with prosopagnosia may have trouble not only recognizing people’s faces but recognizing their own face in the mirror. They may find it hard to follow the plot of films because they have trouble distinguishing characters and may not recognize their own family or friends. Some even have difficulties distinguishing objects like cars.

Not recognizing people or places has led some with the disorder to experience feelings of anxiety and depression. They’re often worried that people will think of them as rude, standoffish or cold.

Prosopagnosia is typically ...

  • Monica Cull

    Monica Cull is a Digital Editor/Writer for Discover Magazine who writes and edits articles focusing on animal sciences, ancient humans, national parks, and health trends. 

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