Memory problems
If you notice that your memory is poor, it is natural to think of the worst explanation Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. In fact, there is usually another reason and the problem is usually temporary.
Causes of memory problems
Depression is the most common cause of memory problems. With depression, many of the mental processes are slowed, and memory is particularly affected. Unfortunately, worry about memory loss can worsen the depression, producing a vicious circle.
Stress is another common cause of memory problems. Almost any worry or stressful life event can affect our ability to store and recall memories. When the problem is resolved, or time has healed the pain, memory becomes as efficient as it was before.
Stressful life events that can affect memory
- Work-related problems
- Divorce or other relationship problems
- Being charged with an offence
- Being involved in litigation
- Bereavement
Normal ageing. During your mid-40s and 50s, it is quite normal to believe you have become more forgetful. Surveys find that 75% of people over the age of 50 report that they have had some memory problem over the past year. But it may not be as bad as you think young people forget things and do not bother about it, but older people take more notice o f their memory lapses and worry. Do not make the mistake of thinking that everyday memory lapses are Alzheimer's disease forgetting where you put your keys is not Alzheimer's! We all occasionally put things in strange places (such as the keys in the fridge), but it is only when this sort of thing begins to happen regularly that there may be a problem.
A study of 111 people aged 90–100 years showed that over half had a strikingly good memory (Neurology 2003;60:477–80), so memory loss is not automatic as we get old. Other studies have shown that old people are better at judging whether people are honest or intelligent, so some aspects of mental function actually improve with age.
The ‘tip-of-the tongue’ phenomenon is a very common experience your mind suddenly freezes when you need a crucial word, such as a name (often of someone you know well). This is more likely to happen if it is a name that you seldom speak aloud, because scientists believe you are simply having trouble retrieving the actual sound of the word from your memory bank of word sounds. It is a nuisance, but does not mean you are on the way to serious memory loss.
Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, a failing memory does occur with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is mainly a disease of the elderly. About 1% of people in their 60s, 20% of those over 85 years and 30% of those over 90 are affected.
Stroke. It is common to have some memory loss after a stroke, but this usually improves over the following 3–6 months.
Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated:
Saturday, February 13th 2010
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Comments on this article
Posted by Chrissy on 08/02/2010 at 06:40:00 pm
In my 40s my memory just went. I would forget to turn on the car lights in the dark. I went to the library to look up the word Alzheimers and couldn't remember the word! Then one day I heard that memory loss can be a symptom of the menopause. I went on HRT and was fine. Hope this helps someone.
Posted by Maria on 01/02/2010 at 06:25:00 am
After reading this I am really worried now. My symptoms weren't mentioned here. I am forgetting how to spell and type, I have forgotten how to cook, I go to work and I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing or where I'm supposed to be. Fellow workers are getting frustrated with me. I forgot to go to a wedding of close friends, and it's getting really hard to converse with people cause it's like I don't know (or can't remember) anything about them. I'm not depressed or stressed so what is it?
Posted by ukrose on 30/12/2009 at 06:28:00 pm
My husband was "forced" to retire due to a new boss that did not like him! Pure and simple, he made my husband miserable until he WASN'T able to do his job! Since he has retired, and has gone through major depression. The greatest change is his memory! He KNOWS he cannot recall things, but he also knows what he is trying to recall, it just won't come out! He can direct me (driving) to where he wants to go, but cannot put it in words! Is this mostly depression, or somethuing worse, and how do we get help! He is a doctor, and does not want to take antidepression drugs!
Posted by shorty12 on 13/12/2009 at 07:39:00 am
wow.. i feel like im not thee only one, that forgets things often.. someone will tell me something the next 10 mins i will forget what they just told me, sometimes it helped to think back n try to remember.. it bothers me.. i dont know if im just going trough lost of memory or lack of attention. in witch at the momment i think im paying attention to what there telling me but i still forget latter. so what i try to do now is write down things n it helps me alot, but i know i got a problem n im just 26yrs old. this memory problem is really bringing me down, so bad that one time i left my son behind when crossing the street i forgot i hadm with me, he was 1 1/2yrs at that time.
Posted by Lou on 20/11/2009 at 12:50:00 pm
My memory has got progressively worse over the last 12 months to the point where last night I went into the downstairs cloakroom to get a yogurt instead of the utility room! it is really upsetting me, I do have an underactive thyroid so hopefully I am not going crazeee
Posted by Kimberly on 18/11/2009 at 02:15:00 pm
I can't remember anything. It's acutally become a joke..."your asking her not to forget?" I used to have a very sharp memory but, today I was getting my child out of the carseat when the car started to roll. I forgot to put it into park. Now I'm worried.
Posted by TONY TAMBURELLO on 18/09/2009 at 02:37:00 pm
OK THANKS MY MEMORY HAS GONE DOWN I HAVE BEEN REAL DEPRESSED BECAUSE OF MY LAST 2 JOBS IM TAKING LEXOPRO NOW IS THAT OK
Posted by satyajit pandya on 03/07/2009 at 08:06:00 am
the problem that i am going to discuss is experienced y me since 1 year. before 20 days i was having my engineering exams. there was a derivation known as "derive the expression of Del D" which was very important and was likely to be asked in my question paper. i was knowing the above fact and i learned it by heart. but when the question arise in my paper i got totally blank. i was thinking that what is Del D means like i have never heard that word before.so i was very sad for that. i need help i want to score good grades in my academics. i use to study before one month of my exam. i do not do any pre-preparation. is the problem due to the above one.
Posted by Matthew C on 26/05/2009 at 08:02:00 pm
I have been struggling to remember everyday stuff at work, and forgetting recent jobs and agreements with customers/colleagues. This isn't helped by the fact that work is very high-stress, and to work in the job I had to move to a new area where I know noone. I find myself heading back north again most weekends to see my old friends, which I really enjoy. I find that most weekends there I have a very sharp memory, or at least feel focused. Back here I find myself stagnating, and this isn't helped by a recent change in flatmate that was beyond my control. If i'm here for a weekend I find myself getting rather low, and this has spurred me on to look at moving to my own place. Also making other changes though, I enjoy my food, and am making an effort to cook nice meals. Also I enjoy running and try to do that where I can. Guitar is salvation, and so that I use to clear my head. Also I have been offered a change in position at work to make things less stressful and more interesting. I'm thinking real positive at the moment, and confiding in friends and family. Hopefully things will improve, but this site has made me realise that I'm really not alone with this condition. Here's hoping that I (and all you other lovely people) can hold it together! :-) seren - I totally sympathise, and it sounds like your psychologist is not very good if they didn't explain those things to you. Best of luck with your degree, I'm sure you'll do great! And Geoff, I'm getting exactly the same thing, and it is alarming. If you find a solution then please please let all of us know... And best of luck to all others afflicted :-)
Posted by Barbara M on 09/04/2009 at 07:28:00 pm
My father in law is experiencing sudden memory loss followed by complete recovery. It is as if someone turned the light switch off and left him in the dark lastin for a few minutes to 15 minutes. The "light" switches back on and his understanding returns. He has recently moved from his home of over 50 years to my home but I don't think it is totally stress that is causing this. What should I do?
Posted by seren on 02/04/2009 at 10:23:00 am
I've just been assessed as having a very weak working memory - its left me feeling stressed and worried about how it's going to impact on my ability to complete my degree and in particular get the maths pass that i need in order to graduate. The psychologist didn't really explain what the causes are or what i can do about it ...i feel really depressed.
Posted by Geoff on 20/03/2009 at 04:25:00 pm
Usually if I forget something and someone reminds me, no problem. Recently people have been reminding me of everyday tasks and I have no memory of the request. There are only so many times I can deny and reverse the blame. This quite worrying
Posted by Anonymous on 27/02/2009 at 02:59:00 pm
i always read a book i understand it at the moment but when i cloth it every thing i read banish i can't even tell my friends what i have read
Posted by Anonymous on 21/02/2009 at 02:08:00 pm
I am always getting into trouble through memory loss. Everyone gives me hints to remember, I forget to do them, my boss doesn't believe that I can have such a bad memory. No-one seems to understand how this affects me. I forget my wifes name, I forget to look at the time to fetch my baby from school, I forget improtant functions and events and am always getting in trouble. My wife does not believe me, she thinks it is an "excuse". I will remember, but generally too late, or too early, but at the time, it simply does not enter my mind. Every day It lets me down. I am an electrician, I had a motor to fix, I eventually threw it away because I was so scared to tell anyone that I didn't know what was wrong with it, or how to test it. What can I do. This is out of control?
Posted by BHASKAR on 13/01/2009 at 09:58:00 am
THANKS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE AND HELP. REALLY HELPFUL STUFF
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