Memory Loss

Memory Loss and Aging

As you age, you may find that you have memory lapses from time to time. You may forget the name of someone you just met, or you may misplace things more often. Perhaps you rely more on lists and calendars to remember chores and appointments. Memory loss from normal aging doesn’t affect your ability to function at work or at home.

Coping with Memory Loss

Coping with Your Own Memory Loss

If your memory is not as sharp as it once was, a few simple adjustments can help you with your daily activities.

• Use lists for chores.
• Keep a checklist of medications and when they
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• Keep your address book and calendar up to date.
• Keep your home organized and easy to manage.
• Be socially active and engage in hobbies you
  enjoy.
• If your memory loss is progressing or becoming
  severe, make an appointment with your doctor. Ask someone you trust to go with
  you.

Coping with a Loved One’s Memory Loss

Watching someone you love struggle with memory loss can be difficult. Depending on the severity of their condition, there are many ways you can help. For example:

• Encourage them to visit their doctor if their
  memory loss is interfering with their daily functioning. Go with them to the
  appointment.
• Keep a checklist of their medications and when
  they should be taken.
• Help them update their address book and
  calendar.
• Help them organize their home.
• Keep important items in plain sight.
• Use sticky notes around the house as reminders
  of how to perform tasks.
• Encourage them to remain socially active.
• Use photographs and familiar belongings to spark
  memories.
• Arrange to have someone help in the home. If
  memory loss is severe, investigate home health care, assisted living, or nursing
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• Be patient. Don’t take someone else’s memory
  loss personally — remember that they can’t help it.

Causes of Memory Loss

Many factors can cause memory loss. These factors include:

• vitamin B-12 deficiency
• sleep deprivation
• use of alcohol or drugs and some prescription
  medications
• anesthesia from recent surgery
• cancer treatments such as chemotherapy,
  radiation, or bone marrow transplant
• head injury or concussion
• lack of oxygen to the brain
• certain types of seizures
• brain tumor or infection
• brain surgery or heart bypass surgery
• mental disorders such as depression, bipolar
  disorder, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorder
• emotional trauma
• thyroid dysfunction
• electroconvulsive therapy
• transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• neurodegenerative illnesses such as Huntington’s
  disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson’s disease
• migraine

Some of these conditions are treatable and, in some cases, memory loss can be reversed.

Dementia

Progressive memory loss is a symptom of dementia. Other symptoms include difficulty with reasoning, judgment, language, and thinking skills. People with dementia can also exhibit behavioral problems and mood swings. Dementia usually starts gradually and gets more noticeable as it progresses. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease impairs memory and affects reasoning, judgment, and the ability to learn, communicate, and perform everyday functions. People with Alzheimer’s disease can quickly become confused and disoriented. Long-term memories are usually stronger and last longer than memories of recent events. Although it can strike earlier, this progressive disease generally affects people over age 65.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your doctor if memory loss is interfering with your daily activities, threatening your safety, progressing, or accompanied by other physical symptoms.

Memory loss can be caused by a variety of diseases and conditions that may worsen if left untreated.

You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using ourHealthline FindCare tool.

Medical Examination

A medical exam for memory loss will include a complete medical history. Bring a family member or trusted friend along to help you. Your doctor will ask questions about the specifics of your problems with memory. They may also ask a few questions to test your memory. Your doctor should also give you a complete physical exam and ask about other physical symptoms.

Depending on the findings of the exam, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or mental health professional. Additional tests may include:

• cognitive testing to check your thinking ability
• blood tests to look for various conditions
  including vitamin B-12 deficiency and thyroid disease
• imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging
  (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan
• electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the
  electrical activity of the brain
• spinal tap
• cerebral angiography, which is an X-ray to see
  how blood flows through the brain

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step. Many medical conditions that cause memory loss are treatable when identified early.