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Problems With Forgetfulness

Problems with forgetfulness may cause concern, but they aren't always a sign of a serious issue. If you simply forget where you put your keys from time to time, or forget why you went into a particular room, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a problem with progressive memory loss. However, if you feel very concerned about your memory problems, you should see your doctor for evaluation.

  1. Age-Related Memory Lapses

    • Becoming more forgetful is a common problem among many people as they age. Signs of mild forgetfulness include frequently misplacing various items and having difficulty learning new things. Simple age-related memory loss can sometimes be helped by becoming more active physically and limiting the use of alcohol, according to the National Institute on Aging. As people age they may need to rely on tools to trigger their memory, such as lists and calendars.

    Mild Cognitive Impairment

    • Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a little more serious than age-related memory lapses, but not as serious as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. A person who has mild cognitive impairment may frequently forget appointments, lose items often and may have trouble coming up with words. According to the Alzheimer's Association, people with mild cognitive impairment are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than those without it, but not everyone who has MCI develops Alzheimer's disease.

    Reversible Problems

    • Certain medical problems can cause difficulties that mimic more serious problems with forgetfulness. Medications including blood pressure medicines, pain medications or sedatives sometimes cause confusion or other cognitive problems. Interaction between several types of medication may also lead to forgetfulness. Head trauma may lead to temporary forgetfulness. A person that is under chronic stress may find that they suddenly have cognitive problems, and if the stress goes away, the forgetfulness does too. Thyroid disease, liver disease, kidney disease and vitamin B12 deficiency are among health conditions that may cause memory problems that are reversible.

    Serious Forgetfulness Problems

    • Loss of memory, thinking and reasoning abilities to the point that it interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities is known as dementia. This is not a disease in itself but a symptom of another disease such as stroke or Alzheimer's disease. A person with dementia may repeat themselves over and over, get lost in familiar areas or be unable to remember familiar people or places. A person with dementia should be under a doctor's care to treat physical or behavioral problems or to suggest treatment or services that may assist with care.

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