Worried about your memory?

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.

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 (Opens in new tab) has a simple memory, mood and thinking checklist (Opens in new tab). You may find it helpful to fill in this checklist and discuss the results with your doctor.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Visit Dementia Australia (Opens in new tab) for information on:

• the 'worried about your memory' checklist (Opens in new tab)
• genetics and dementia (Opens in new tab)
• planning ahead if you have dementia (Opens in new tab)
• how your brain works (Opens in new tab)

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

Dementia Support Australia (Opens in new tab) 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 (Opens in new tab) from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network.

Languages other than English

Mindcare Collective (Opens in new tab) has videos in multiple languages on topics such as:

• what is dementia (Opens in new tab)
• how to reduce your dementia risk (Opens in new tab)

Health Translations Victoria (Opens in new tab) has information in languages other than English, including:

• a 'worried about your thinking and memory' checklist (Opens in new tab)
• fact sheets on dementia for patients and carers (Opens in new tab)

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.