When to Talk to Your Doctor About Memory Loss
Here are clues to help you decide when memory issues are normal—and when they’re not.
Do you find yourself forgetting where you put your keys? Have trouble remembering someone’s name? Walk into a room and are not sure what you went in for? If so, you may be concerned about your memory lapses, wondering if they’re a sign that you’re developing dementia. It can be upsetting when you can’t remember something, but here’s how to know when it’s time to talk to a doctor about it.
Normal Memory Changes
It’s normal to experience some degree of memory loss as you age. Your memory may also be challenged due to health issues that are treatable, as well as some medications. Sometimes, you have so many things competing for your attention that it’s hard to remember every little detail and some things slip through the cracks.
“All of these instances, although they may be unnerving, are typically not cause for alarm. This type of memory loss doesn’t cause a major disruption in your life,” explains Neil Manering MD, a neurologist at PIH Health.
Sometimes you remember a forgotten name later in the day, or you have to make lists to keep track of everything on your to-do list. But you can still manage your regular routine and are able to work, live, and socialize without incident.
Memory Issues That May Be of Concern
The memory loss that occurs due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is more disruptive to your life. It may make it hard to work, live independently or socialize. It gradually worsens. In addition to memory loss, you may also have changes in reasoning, judgment, language, and other cognitive and social skills.
“Often, it’s the gradual worsening of memory combined with confusion or difficulty making decisions that may point to a more serious issue like dementia,” says Dr. Manering.
When a person experiences dementia, it is often family members who notice the changes in memory more than the person experiencing the memory loss. In those cases, a conversation with a doctor may need to be initiated by someone else.
“If you or a loved one are experiencing more severe memory problems, such as getting lost in familiar places or frequently misplacing items in unusual locations, it’s time to consider seeing a doctor,” advises Dr. Manering.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these tell-tale symptoms, it may be time to talk to a doctor about it:
- Forgetting common words or mixing up words when speaking
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Finding it hard to follow a conversation
- Having difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as following a recipe
- Getting lost when traveling in known places
- Misplacing items in unusual places, such as putting car keys in the fridge
In addition to memory difficulties and cognitive impairments, a person with dementia may show unexplained or unexpected changes in mood or behavior.
What Can Be Done About Memory Loss
Just because you have symptoms of memory loss doesn’t mean you have dementia. Other health conditions can cause similar symptoms, and many of them are treatable. These include head injuries, brain diseases, hypothyroidism, vitamin B-12 deficiency, alcohol use disorder, and emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression.
If memory loss is caused by dementia, the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the chance of slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms. That’s why it’s important to not ignore symptoms of memory loss.
“Bring them to the attention of your doctor so a thorough evaluation can be completed to determine the cause and potential treatment,” advises Dr. Manering. “Early diagnosis can open up more options for treatment and symptom management.”
To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
