Karina Thadani
Erin L. George
Key takeaways
- Occasional forgetfulness is common, but memory problems become concerning when they interfere with daily life.
- Warning signs can include repeated questions, confusion about familiar places, and neglected responsibilities.
- Progressive memory loss may indicate dementia or another underlying problem rather than ordinary aging alone.
What Are Memory Problems?
Everyone experiences forgetfulness. For example, it’s common to misplace keys or forget about an appointment every now and then. When forgetfulness becomes severe and starts interfering with daily life, however, it may be a cause for concern. Unusual forgetfulness, also known as memory problems or memory loss, may include the following: (1)
- Forgetting or mixing up words
- Forgetting or mixing up times, locations, and people
- Repeating the same questions multiple times
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Neglecting responsibilities (such as work or financial obligations)
- Placing items in the wrong locations (such as leaving keys with kitchen supplies)
- Neglecting personal hygiene (2)
Memory problems are often a normal part of aging. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, approximately 40% of people will experience some form of memory loss after age 65. (3) If memory loss progresses, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. (4)
Depending on the cause, memory problems can greatly impact both physical and mental health. Let’s take a closer look at different types of memory loss, possible causes, and how to cope with memory problems.
Subject matter expert
Psychiatric nursing and mental health care
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