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 straight away.

Some changes in memory can happen as part of normal ageing — these small changes in memory shouldn't interfere with your everyday life.

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

If you are becoming forgetful or confused, you might be worried it's dementia. There are other conditions that can lead to problems with your memory, such as traumatic brain injury and depression.

What symptoms are related to memory loss?

If you are experiencing memory loss, you may notice that you:

• forget the names of people
• get lost in places you used to know
• have difficulty following conversations
• experience 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.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes memory loss?

There are many causes of memory loss, such as:

• depression, stress and anxiety
• dementia
• traumatic brain injuries, such as concussion
• some medicines or alcohol use
• mild cognitive impairment
• neurological conditions, such as epilepsy
• infections, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

Depression

The most common symptoms of depression include:

• feeling hopeless
• having low mood
• feeling tired

In some cases, depression can also affect your memory and thinking.

Read more about the effects of depression in older people.

Dementia

Dementia describes a group of conditions that cause a gradual loss of brain function. Dementia can affect your:

• memory
• ability to think rationally
• social skills
• behaviour

There are several types of dementia. Memory loss due to dementia will become worse over time. Over time, this may affect your ability to:

• work
• drive
• do everyday tasks, such as shopping and getting dressed

Read the video transcript

Video transcript

Jane: Eggs, cereal, OK, that's mostly what we need. And I put down that chocolate that you like. Are you coming to the shops with me?

Peter: No, I'll stay here if that's OK. Oh, have you got those chocolates I like on the list?

Jane: We've been married 40 years. Peter's still working, but I'm worried about him. How can I talk to him about it?

Professor Susan Kurrle: Talking about changes in someone's memory can be really challenging. It's important that you have a good relationship with the person.

You're then going to say, I've noticed your memory hasn't been as good lately. Are you a bit stressed about something? Are you not sleeping?

Talk about common things first, and then say, well, why don't we go and see the doctor about this, and see what they think.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to your brain caused by an outside force. This could be caused by:

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

Other symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue (tiredness)

Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury.

If you experience multiple injuries to your brain, it can cause more damage over time. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition caused by multiple small brain injuries. CTE can cause symptoms such as:

• short-term memory loss
• headaches
• loss of concentration

Alcohol and memory loss

Alcohol-related brain injury is caused by regularly drinking more alcohol than recommended over many years.

Alcohol can cause changes to your memory by:

• damaging your nerve cells (neurons)
• 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. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment.

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

Medicines

Some medicines can cause memory problems.

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

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

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

Mild cognitive impairment

If you have problems with your memory, your doctor may check if you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means your memory loss is more than usual for someone your age, but you do not have dementia.

About 1 in 2 people with mild cognitive impairment will go on to develop dementia. However, many people with mild cognitive impairment remain the same or can even improve over time.

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 a problem. There are things you can do to help slow down or sometimes prevent memory loss.

Diagnosing the cause of memory loss may take more than one visit to the doctor. Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor can help you understand your condition and manage your symptoms.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is the cause of memory loss diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of memory loss, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. Your doctor might also:

• get you to do a memory test, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
• organise blood tests and urine tests — this is to check for an infection or vitamin deficiencies
• arrange a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your brain
• arrange a computed tomography (CT) scan of your brain

You might want to ask a friend or relative to come with you to your appointment 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, including how long you have had memory problems and whether they have improved or become worse
• information about your medical history and your family medical history
• a list of the medicines that you take, including any vitamins and supplements

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is memory loss treated?

The treatment for memory loss will depend on its cause.

If your memory loss is caused by a condition, treating that condition may help improve your memory. Conditions linked to memory loss may include:

• depression
• epilepsy
• insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep)

If your memory loss is due to medicines or alcohol, your doctor can discuss treatment options with you.

If you are diagnosed with dementia, your doctor may recommend medicines to manage your symptoms, including:

• cholinesterase inhibitors — these help your brain cells communicate better
• memantine — this helps to regulate your brain signals

There are many products that claim to improve your memory and prevent dementia. It's best to check first with your doctor or pharmacist before buying any of these products — they may have side effects or 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 throughout your life to lower your chance of memory loss.

Brain health

You can help keep your 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
• wearing the recommended protective gear during sports, such as a helmet

Body health

Look after your physical health by:

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

It's also important to manage any conditions you have, such as:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• diabetes
• high cholesterol
• hearing loss
• vision loss

Resources and support

Visit Dementia Australia for information on:

• the 'worried about your memory' checklist
• genetics and dementia
• planning ahead if you have dementia
• how your brain works

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

Dementia Support Australia also has a 24-hour helpline on 1800 699 799. They offer advice and support to family, friends and carers of people with dementia.

Read more about traumatic brain injury from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network.

Languages other than English

Mindcare Collective has videos in multiple languages on topics such as:

• what is dementia
• how to reduce your dementia risk

Health Translations Victoria has information in languages other than English, including:

• a 'worried about your thinking and memory' checklist
• fact sheets on dementia for patients and carers

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 you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.