What is memory loss?

Everyone forgets things sometimes. Perhaps you can't always remember where you left your keys or think of the word you need straightaway.

Some memory loss can also happen as a part of normal ageing. These small changes in memory don't interfere with your everyday life.

If you find yourself forgetting important things more often, this is memory loss. Major changes in your memory are not normal at any age.

If you are getting forgetful or confused, you might be worried it's dementia. There are also other conditions that can lead to problems with your memory.

What symptoms are related to memory loss?

You may notice that you're:

• forgetting people
• getting lost in places you used to know
• having difficulty following conversations
• having changes to your mood or personality

Dementia Australia has a simple memory, mood and thinking checklist. You may find it helpful to fill in this checklist and discuss the results with your doctor. This tool can help you decide what to do next.

What causes memory loss?

There are many causes of memory loss, such as:

• depression, stress and anxiety
• dementia
• traumatic brain injuries (concussion)
• delirium
• some medicines or alcohol use
• mild cognitive impairment
• a neurological condition like epilepsy or migraine
• infections such as HIV

Depression

Depression is often thought about in terms hopelessness, low mood and tiredness. However, memory problems are also a common symptom of depression.

Dementia

There are several types of dementia. Memory loss that's related to dementia becomes worse over time. It may affect your ability to work. It may mean that you forget the way home. It can eventually lead to forgetting how to do everyday things like getting dressed or having a shower.

Watch the video below and learn how you might chat to someone who's showing signs of memory loss.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injury is an injury to your brain caused by an external force. This could be by:

• a road accident
• a fall
• being hit by an object or a person
• a sporting injury

Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury used to be seen as a one-off event. However, multiple concussions can cause progressive damage. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition caused by multiple small brain injuries. CTE might start with short-term memory loss, headache and loss of concentration:

Alcohol and memory loss

Alcohol-related brain injury is caused by regularly drinking more alcohol than the recommended limit over many years. It's most common in males over the age of 45 years.

Alcohol can damage your brain in the following ways, by:

• damaging your nerve cells
• causing low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1)
• increasing your risk of head injuries

Wernicke encephalopathy is a type of alcohol-related brain injury that develops suddenly.

Alcohol-related brain damage is not the same as short term memory loss due to binge drinking.

Medicines

Medicines can sometimes cause memory problems.

Memory problems are more likely to happen if you're taking:

• a high dose of medicine
• more than one medicine
• a new medicine

If you are concerned about the side effects of any medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when your memory loss is more than you would expect for someone of your age.

About 1 in 2 people with mild cognitive impairment go to on develop dementia. Many people with mild cognitive impairment remain the same or can even improve.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if your memory problems are affecting your daily life. It may be a relative or friend who notices your memory problems before you do.

It's best to get it checked as soon as you notice there's a problem. This is because many causes of memory loss can be treated.

Also, getting a diagnosis can take more than one visit to the doctor. Once you know your diagnosis you can find ways to live with it.

How is the cause of memory loss diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. They might also:

• get you to do a memory test — such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
• organise blood tests and urine tests — to check for an infection or vitamin deficiencies
• organise scans of your brain

You might want to ask a friend or relative to attend your appointments so they can provide extra information.

What should I take to my appointment?

It's a good idea to take:

• a list of your concerns — how long you have had memory problems and whether they have become worse
• information about your medical history and your family medical history
• a list of the medicines that you take — including vitamins and supplements

How is memory loss treated?

The treatment you get for memory loss will depend on its cause.

If you have a condition like depression or epilepsy, it can be treated. This should help your memory too.

If your memory loss is due to medicines or alcohol your doctor can help you to manage the cause.

There are many products that claim to improve your memory and prevent dementia, such as supplements and brain training apps. It's best to check first with your doctor or pharmacist before buying any of these products in case they are unsafe or might interfere with your other medicines.

Can memory loss be prevented?

Some causes of memory loss can't be prevented. However, there are things you can do to keep your brain and body healthy.

Brain health

You can help keep you brain healthy by:

• exercising your brain — work, read or do hobbies that keep your brain active
• taking part in social activities — catch up with friends or join a group

Body health

Look after your physical health by:

• eating a healthy diet
• getting regular exercise
• aiming for a healthy weight
• adopting healthy sleep patterns
• having your hearing tested
• not smoking
• drinking less alcohol

You can also lower your chance of developing dementia by looking after your brain health.

You should also have regular check-ups with your doctor. Make sure things like your blood pressure and cholesterol are in the healthy range.

Resources and support

The Worried About Your Memory checklist is available in other community languages on the Dementia Australia website.

Visit the Dementia Australia website to find out more about how your brain works.

Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for information and support.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.