What kind of forgetfulness is normal

Related Articles. What to Look for in a Memory Care Community. Blog Search Please search at least three characters. Find A Sunrise. Careers With Sunrise.

Have Questions About Memory Loss? Thyroid problems. Thyroid problems can cause memory problems such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Medication can reverse the symptoms. Alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol intake is toxic to brain cells, and alcohol abuse leads to memory loss. Over time, alcohol abuse may also increase the risk of dementia. Because of the damaging effects of excessive drinking, experts advise limiting your daily intake to just drinks. Older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

Severe dehydration can cause confusion, drowsiness, memory loss, and other symptoms that look like dementia. Be particularly vigilant if you take diuretics or laxatives or suffer from diabetes, high blood sugar, or diarrhea. Side effects of medication. Many prescribed and over-the-counter drugs or combinations of drugs can cause cognitive problems and memory loss as a side effect. This is especially common in older adults because they break down and absorb medication more slowly.

Common medications that affect memory and brain function include sleeping pills, antihistamines, blood pressure and arthritis medication, muscle relaxants, anticholinergic drugs for urinary incontinence and gastrointestinal discomfort, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and painkillers. As well as certain individual medications, taking too many medications can also create cognitive problems.

A recent study found that the more medications you take, the higher your risk for brain atrophy. Researchers found that the loss of gray matter was most acute in people who took three or more different medications. The same practices that contribute to healthy aging and physical vitality also contribute to a healthy memory. Stay social. Quality face-to-face social interaction can greatly reduce stress and is powerful medicine for the brain, so schedule time with friends, join a book club, or visit the local senior center.

Stop smoking. Smoking heightens the risk of vascular disorders that can cause stroke and constrict arteries that deliver oxygen to the brain. When you quit smoking , the brain quickly benefits from improved circulation. Manage stress. Cortisol, the stress hormone, damages the brain over time and can lead to memory problems. But even before that happens, stress or anxiety can cause memory difficulties in the moment. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Other times, the problem is a brain disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease , which cannot be reversed.

Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can make the right treatment plan. People with memory problems should make a follow-up appointment to check their memory every six to 12 months. They can ask a family member, friend, or the doctor's office to remind them if they're worried they'll forget.

Learn more about cognitive health and Alzheimer's and related dementias. Read about this topic in Spanish. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke toll-free braininfo ninds. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions.

Memory loss: When to seek help. Products and services. Memory loss: When to seek help A number of conditions — not only Alzheimer's disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again.

Show references Forgetfulness: Knowing when to ask for help. National Institute on Aging. Accessed March 28, Alzheimer's Association. McDade EM, et al. Mild cognitive impairment: Epidemiology, pathology and clinical assessment. Alzheimer's disease fact sheet. Understanding memory loss: What to do when you have trouble remembering.

See also MIND diet may cut Alzheimer's risk Adult day service Alzheimer's sleep problems Alzheimer's: New treatments Helping an Alzheimer's caregiver Alzheimer's Alzheimer's and dementia care: 8 tips for doctor visits Alzheimer's and daily tasks Alzheimer's and dementia: Tips for daily care Understanding the difference between dementia types Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?

Mediterranean diet Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss? Alzheimer's drugs Alzheimer's genes Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?

Alzheimer's or depression: Could it be both? Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist? Alzheimer's stages Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages Alzheimer's and holidays Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing?