Memory problems

If you notice that your memory is poor, it is natural to think of a worrying explanation such as Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. In fact, there is usually another reason and the problem is often 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 half of people over the age of 50 report some memory problems (British Medical Journal 2010;340:730-6). 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 of their memory lapses, and worry about them. 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: Wednesday, October 5th 2011

Useful contacts for Memory problems

Click to see all the contacts that you may find useful in relation to memory problems

Useful contacts

109 people have
tackled this problem!

Tell us your thoughts

Did you find what you were looking for?

Submit

Add a comment

A problem shared is a problem halved: help others by sharing your frustrations or successes at tackling your health problem.

We have noticed that many of your queries are actually answered on the website, so please read carefully before submitting a comment. As all comments are moderated, there will be a delay before your comment appears. Please note that we cannot respond to individual requests for feedback.

Display Name Age: Sex: Country: Comment:

Submit

Discussion content reflects the view of individual participants only. Health Press Limited bear no responsibility for accuracy of participant comments and will bear no legal liability for discussion results. Comments will be moderated before posting and Health Press Limited reserves the right to delete any material. See About our site for our moderation policy

Comments on this article

Posted by JJ on 19/11/2011 at 10:58

I am aware that I am becoming more forgetful over the past 5 years. I can not recall a conversation with a friend just 6 days ago in which I was apparently quite upset during the conversation. I can't remember anything about it. This is really worrying me. I have lost so many things in my house lately and over the past 4 years I have fell over in public about 5 or 6 times, really big fall overs. Should I be concerned and should I go to the doctors?

Posted by Optional on 07/10/2011 at 10:00

Ive noticed im getting forgetful , i keep missing apiontments ,forgetting names etc.

Posted by Optional on 17/07/2011 at 08:44, Nigeria

thanks for yr enlightenment.

Posted by Optional on 28/06/2011 at 11:44, Pakistan

i am 21 years old and iam facing the problem of concentration and memory loss what would you suggest me to do because i masturbated for the last ten years

Posted by vishal on 19/04/2011 at 10:24, India

i always read a book i understand it at the moment but afterwards i dont remember anything to tell in interview i can remember bullet points to write in the exam.i dont remember names hich my friend remember very easily. this was not the case few years back.In my studies i used to remember everything even if i read once.

Posted by Shatex on 18/03/2011 at 05:49, Pakistan

i think over masturbation badly affects one's memory. over masturbation definitely results in lack of concentration, poor memory, forgetfulness, impaired thinking, complex and logical thinking is also impaired

Posted by Wes on 11/11/2010 at 02:48, United States

Very frustrating. There seems to be no information, no help, and no one capable of understanding that my girl's complete loss of memory is very serious. If we had money it probably wouldn't be a problem. Just flash the cash and get some help.

Posted by Mel on 28/10/2010 at 01:45, Australia

If you have concerns with your memory, going back to the GP is a good start as this is where you can get a referral to see a clinical neuropsychologist who can carry out some test on memory with you. There are a range of things that can impair memory as mentioned in the above article such as stress, depression and alzheimers. The main thing here is to be proactive and seek support around you rather then doing this all on your own.

Posted by Anonymous on 19/10/2010 at 04:44, United States

I honestly dont know what to do anymore about my memory problems. I just recently started noticing it about a couple of months ago when i was having a conversation with a friend. She has told me before that i ask her the same questions about four times in the same conversation. Sometimes i dont even remember how i get to places. I barley have any memory of what i did the day before. Its' pretty hard to deal with. I struggle in school because of it... everyone thinks i dont pay attention. I even take notes but they hardly help...

Posted by Optional on 28/09/2010 at 04:43, United States

My 29 year old friend can not recall restaurant names he has eaten at just days earlier. He also can not remember people's names he just met or just spent a few hours with. Sometimes he can't remember situations he and I have been in. Why is his memory so poor? Could something have happened to him earlier in life? He is able to function and hold a good job at work, as far as I know. Any thoughts?