Memory Problems: What to Do, in Order
Memory Problems: what is worth doing, what is worth avoiding, and when to stop and see a doctor.
Difficulty with recall, concentration or finding words, from many possible causes. Several common causes are treatable, which is why memory problems should be checked rather than assumed to be dementia.
Key takeaways
- Treatable causes: depression, anxiety, thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, poor sleep, medicines
- Usual first steps: a medical history, blood tests and a memory and thinking assessment
- Most useful single change: See your doctor rather than waiting; several causes can be reversed.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming memory problems automatically mean dementia.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Do
- See your doctor rather than waiting; several causes can be reversed
- Bring someone who knows you well to the appointment
- Bring a list of all medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements
- Be honest about alcohol use and sleep
Do not
- Assuming memory problems automatically mean dementia
- Avoiding a checkup out of fear of the diagnosis
- Putting sudden changes down to aging
The numbers behind the list
The reasoning behind both lists, in numbers.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Treatable causes | depression, anxiety, thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, poor sleep, medicines |
| Usual first steps | a medical history, blood tests and a memory and thinking assessment |
| Sudden confusion | suggests delirium, usually from an acute illness |
| Sleep apnea | a common and treatable cause of poor concentration |
If you change one thing
See your doctor rather than waiting; several causes can be reversed. Start there. The rest of the list keeps.
Related topics
- Caring for Someone with Dementia: What Published Guidance Supports (Carers)
- Fibromyalgia: What the Evidence Actually Says (Chronic Pain)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Fatigue in Long-Term Illness (Long-Term Conditions)
- Food Recalls: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise (Food Safety)
Where to go next
- Myths About Memory Problems, Checked Against the Guidance
- Memory Problems: A Beginner-Friendly Start
- Memory Problems — the reference entry
- Brain Health: The Complete Guide
- Stroke: What Published Guidance Supports
- Migraine: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to speak to a doctor
Get urgent care for sudden confusion or a rapid change over hours or days — this usually means delirium from infection, dehydration or medication rather than dementia. Call 911 for confusion with fever and a stiff neck, sudden weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, or after a head injury.
Where this comes from
- National Institute on Aging — Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging
- Alzheimer's Association — 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
