Occasional forgetfulness can happen with stress, poor sleep or distraction. Memory concerns become more important when they are persistent, progressive or interfere with daily independence.
Examples worth mentioning
- Repeating the same questions frequently
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty managing medicines or finances
- Increasing trouble finding words
- Changes in judgement or personality
What can affect memory
Sleep problems, depression, anxiety, medication effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders and neurological disease can all influence memory or concentration.
Prepare for the consultation
Bring a list of medicines, relevant reports and a family member if possible. Examples of real-life changes are often more helpful than simply saying that memory is “poor”.
Sudden confusion is different
A sudden change in awareness or confusion can be caused by acute illness and may need urgent medical attention, especially when accompanied by weakness, fever or reduced consciousness.
Discuss your symptoms with a neurologist.
Bring your symptom timeline, current medicines and any previous reports to make your consultation more useful.