Memory Loss

Memory loss is the inability to remember things as well as you used to.

Mild memory loss can be a normal part of aging. For example, you may forget where you put your car keys. Memory loss that is more serious may be a warning sign of a brain function problem, such as Alzheimer disease or dementia.

• Your family members may notice your memory loss before you do

• Signs of more serious memory loss include forgetting about things that just happened or having problems doing activities you've done many times before

• Using lists, calendars, and memory aids can help you cope with memory loss

See your doctor if you have memory loss and any of these warning signs:

• Trouble doing daily activities such as managing your money or medicines

• Trouble paying attention or concentrating

• Feeling depressed about your memory loss

See your doctor right away if you have memory loss and:

• Cannot pay attention and seem very confused

• Feel depressed and think about hurting yourself

• Have symptoms of a nervous system problem such as headaches, trouble using or understanding language, low energy, vision problems, or dizziness

The most common cause of memory loss is:

• Getting older—minor changes in memory can be normal as you age

Other common causes:

• Mild thinking problems (mild cognitive impairment)—about half of the people who have this will get dementia a few years later

• Dementia (such as Alzheimer disease)

• Depression—if you have depression, you probably also have other symptoms, such as intense sadness and problems sleeping

• Some medicines

• Overusing illicit drugs or alcohol

Doctors will do a physical exam and ask questions about your memory loss, such as:

• What types of things you forget

• When your memory problems started

• Whether your memory seems to be getting worse

• If it's getting harder to do your job or daily activities

• If memory loss runs in your family

Doctors may want you to bring a family member or friend to your appointment who can describe symptoms you may not have noticed or may have trouble remembering.

Doctors may do tests such as:

• Mental status testing—doctors will ask questions and have you do specific tasks to test your thinking skills, such as attention, memory, and language

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan if doctors suspect dementia or other problems such as a tumor or stroke

• Blood tests

• Spinal tap (using a needle to get a sample of spinal fluid from your lower back) if doctors suspect a brain or spinal infection

Doctors will:

• Treat any health problem causing your memory loss

• Sometimes give you medicine, if you have dementia

• Test you to see whether you should stop certain activities, such as driving

• Offer tips, such as using lists and reminders

Live a healthy life:

• Eat healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables

• Be active each day

• See your doctor for regular check-ups

• Take part in learning, social, and physical activities

• Get sufficient sleep each night

• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

• Avoid stress

Use strategies to cope with memory loss:

• Make lists

• Keep a detailed calendar

• Stick with a routine, such as going to bed at the same time every night and getting ready the same way every morning

• Repeat new information several times

• Focus on just one thing at a time

• Stay organized, such as always putting your car keys in the same place

• Join social activities to stay involved with others and stay mentally active