Memory Loss: What's Normal And What's Not?

Memory loss can be a normal part of aging, like forgetting where you placed your glasses or momentarily blanking on a name. But when do these forgetful moments signify something more serious?

A Franciscan Health neurologist and geriatrician shared valuable insights about understanding and managing memory loss. She discussed how the subtle differences between normal aging and something more concerning can benefit from medical care.

Key Takeaways: Memory Loss Concerns

• Occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. Misplacing keys or briefly forgetting a name is common, but memory changes that interfere with daily life may signal a more serious condition.
• Memory loss isn't always caused by dementia. Conditions such as infections, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders and even "brain fog" after cancer treatment or other illnesses can affect memory and thinking.
• Seek medical evaluation when memory problems disrupt daily activities. Repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with routine tasks or experiencing changes in judgment and behavior are important warning signs.
• Staying socially active, engaging in mentally stimulating activities and addressing concerns early can support brain health and help families prepare for future care needs if necessary.

Is Being Forgetful Or Having Memory Loss Normal Aging?

It's normal to forget things occasionally, Tommasina Papa-Rugino, MD, a neurologist at Franciscan Health, said.

"Some normal age-related memory losses don't cause any disruption in our daily life," she said.

For example, if a person's name suddenly slips your mind but you recall it later in the day, or you forget where you placed your keys or phone but retrace your steps and find the items.

"These types of memory changes, while frustrating, are generally manageable," Dr. Papa-Rugino said. "They don't really affect your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life."

What Conditions Can Cause Memory Loss Or Mimic It?

Many different factors influence memory. It isn't always because of aging. And memory problems aren't always as straightforward as one would think.

Viruses

The phenomenon known as "brain fog" is commonly reported by people recovering from viruses such as COVID-19. "This type of cognitive disruption isn't necessarily dementia but is associated with the physiological stress of fighting a virus," Dr. Papa-Rugino said. "And really any kind of infection, even something like a urinary tract infection, can truly bring out an underlying memory problem."

In addition, some diseases including thyroid disorders and sleep apnea can lead to memory loss.

Medications or medical treatments

Medications and some treatments for cancer can affect memory.

Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may affect memory and cognition, particularly when multiple medications are taken together, said Kevin McNulty, DO, a geriatric medicine physician at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

"We now know that certain medications can likely be potentially protective. We know certain medications that are commonly available over the counter increase the risk for dementia," Dr. McNulty said. "Reviewing medications for polypharmacy, side effects of medications, but also making sure that we're not missing anything else contributing to it and doing everything we can to protect the brain."

An extended hospital stay or unplanned change in your environment can make memory issues worse. The unfamiliar setting, combined with a lack of sleep, can significantly impair cognitive function and worsen any underlying memory problem.

Nutritional deficiencies

Vitamin B1 and B12 deficiencies are among the nutritional deficiencies that can lead to dementia.

When Should You Be Concerned About Memory Loss?

Significant memory loss disrupts daily functioning and is a sign to seek medical advice. Early intervention is crucial since many conditions, not just Alzheimer's disease, can cause memory loss.

How Is Dementia Different From Forgetfulness?

Dementia is a general term for conditions that affect memory and thinking, and this is often progressive, worsening over time.

“If we think of dementia, dementia is really more than simply memory loss " Dr. Papa-Rugino said. "It really describes a set of symptoms, not just in the impairment in memory, but also impairment in reasoning, in judgment, in language, in sort of what we consider our thinking skills. And, usually, dementia begins gradually and worsens over time.”

Unlike simple forgetfulness, dementia impairs your ability to work and enjoy social interactions and relationships.

Can Lifestyle And Social Interactions Prevent Memory Loss?

While there is currently no cure for dementia, research shows there are meaningful steps people can take to reduce their risk and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline.

"A healthy lifestyle is a healthy brain," Dr. Papa-Rugino said. "Maintain active social interactions and engage in mental exercises, like puzzles and games, to help keep your mind sharp."

These activities benefit your physical health and help delay the onset of memory-related conditions.

"We can prevent or delay upwards to 45 to 50% of all dementia," Dr. McNulty said. "In fact, If we could just delay it by five years, we'd probably cut the worldwide prevalence of dementia in half."

Protecting brain health reducing your risk for dementia often comes down to habits that support overall wellness. Alcohol, sleep apnea, accidents, injuries and medications can all cause memory issues.

"It's a lot of things that you usually hear from doctors. Exercise, healthy diet, using your brain," Dr. McNulty said.

Regularly review medications with a healthcare provider to ensure that combinations prescribed do not impact cognition.

By focusing on healthy lifestyle choices and working closely with healthcare providers, you may be able to lower their risk of dementia and support long-term brain health.

What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia?

Dr. Papa-Rugino said that family and friends often notice early signs of dementia and memory issues before the individual does. These key symptoms might indicate it's time to seek an evaluation by a neurologist.

• Asking the same questions again and again
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks and struggling with previously easy activities
• Getting lost or losing your way in well-known surroundings
• Misplacing objects in unusual places, like putting a phone in the refrigerator
• Using incorrect words in place of the right ones
• Unexplained mood or behavior changes without an apparent reason

What Type Of Doctor Can Diagnose Memory Loss?

Neurology is a specialty focused the brain and the nerves branching out from it, our peripheral nervous system. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions like movement disorders, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage, usually in the feet and hands) epilepsy and seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and memory loss.

Neurologists can use advanced diagnostic tests like MRIs and CT scans to pinpoint issues affecting the nervous system. Treatment plans can include medications, surgery, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning and overall quality of life.

What Are The Next Steps After A Memory Loss Diagnosis?

If you or a loved one experiences memory loss or other thinking-related symptoms, it might be an indication of dementia or another serious cognitive issue. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition effectively and maintaining quality of life.

"A neuropsychological evaluation measures how well the brain functions," explained Dr. Papa-Rugino. "It helps in understanding the extent of memory impairment and evaluates mental functions like language, attention and learning."

Talking with a neurologist early on can provide a precise diagnosis and help develop a plan for you and your loved ones.

If you have questions about memory loss and cognitive decline and would like to talk to a provider, call for an in-person or virtual visit appointment with your doctor.

What Should Families Do To Prepare For Long-Term Memory Care Needs?

If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, you know how important it is to have a plan in place. It is especially crucial if the aging adult finds themselves living alone due to the death of a spouse or another unforeseen circumstance.

"If you're a family member, initiate discussions around the importance of making arrangements for a medical and legal power of attorney," Dr. Papa-Rugino said. "Consider options like moving an aging parent into a family member's home, exploring assisted living facilities or arranging for in-home care."

This planning becomes even more critical as our population ages and more people find themselves in caregiving roles amidst other life responsibilities.

It can also be challenging and add a layer of complexity when family members don't live close to one another.

"Distance makes it even more critical for families to convene early, ideally when everyone is in good health, to determine future caregiving responsibilities," she said.

Having a plan helps prevent the stress and chaos of emergency situations.