Memory loss

Memory loss means having ongoing trouble remembering things, such as recent conversations, names or events. It can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common as we get older. A small amount of forgetfulness can be a normal part of ageing. However, memory problems that interfere with daily life should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What causes memory loss?

Memory loss has many possible causes, and getting older on its own is one of the most common.

• Normal ageing – it's common to take a little longer to recall things or learn something new as you get older
• Stress, anxiety or depression – can make it harder to concentrate and take in new information
• Other physical illnesses or infections – the brain may not work as efficiently if the body is fighting an illness or infection, which can affect concentration, attention, and the ability to form or recall memories
• Medication side effects – some medications can cause memory problems by making you less alert, affecting brain chemicals involved in memory, or through side effects when multiple medicines are taken together
• Sleep problems (insomnia) – poor sleep can affect how well you form and recall memories
• A vitamin deficiency – particularly low vitamin B1 or B12
• An underactive or overactive thyroid gland
• A head injury, stroke, or a brain tumour or infection
• Alcohol or drug use, or the side effects of certain medicines
• Dementia – a less common but more serious cause, where memory loss is progressive and increasingly affects daily life.

Are there different types of memory loss?

Yes. Memory loss can vary in how suddenly it comes on and in exactly what kind of remembering is affected:

• Sudden (acute) memory loss: Usually caused by a specific illness, injury or event affecting the brain, such as a stroke, head injury or infection
• Gradual (progressive) memory loss: This builds up slowly over months or years, and is more often linked to an ongoing condition such as dementia
• Not being able to create new memories: Recent events or conversations are not 'recorded', so cannot be recalled later
• Taking longer to retrieve information: You can still recall things, but it takes longer, or you need a prompt
• Not being able to retrieve information: You may have stored a memory but cannot access it when needed, for example, getting lost on a familiar journey.

Older memories are often more firmly established than newer ones, which is why someone with memory problems may forget a recent conversation but still recall events from many years ago in detail.

How is memory loss diagnosed?

A GP will usually ask about your symptoms and general health, and may ask questions to test your memory and thinking. It can help to bring someone with you who can describe the problems you've noticed.

• A physical and neurological examination
• Blood and urine tests – to check for things like thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies
• Memory and thinking tests – simple questions or tasks to assess your memory
• Referral to a memory specialist or neurologist, if needed, for a more in-depth assessment
• Scans, such as a CT or MRI scan of the brain, if needed.

How is memory loss treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Do not try to diagnose the cause of your memory loss yourself; always see a GP.

• Treating the underlying cause: For example, correcting a vitamin deficiency, treating a thyroid problem, or adjusting a medicine that's affecting your memory
• Support for stress, anxiety, depression or sleep problems: Which can improve memory once addressed
• Memory strategies: Such as following a daily routine, using calendars, to-do lists and reminders, and keeping items like keys and glasses in the same place
• Treatment and support for dementia, if diagnosed: There's no cure, but medicines and support can help manage symptoms.

Be cautious of supplements, pills or brain-training products that claim to sharpen your memory or prevent dementia. There's currently no proven drug or lifestyle approach that prevents dementia, and some of these products may be unsafe, a waste of money, or both; talk to your doctor before trying any of them.

When should you see a doctor?

See a GP if memory problems are affecting your day-to-day life, getting worse or if you or someone close to you is concerned. It's best to get checked, since treatment often works better if it's started early. Here are some examples:

• Asking the same questions over and over again
• Getting lost in places you used to know well
• Having trouble following a recipe or familiar directions
• Becoming more confused about time, people or places
• Difficulty managing money or medication
• Problems finding common words
• Changes in personality or behaviour
• Struggling to take care of yourself or difficulty to carry out familiar tasks
• Family or friends noticing significant changes.

Seek urgent medical help if confusion develops suddenly, especially if accompanied by weakness, speech difficulties, severe headache, fever or reduced consciousness.