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Especially important and reassuring is that behind forgetfulness there is often a treatable cause, not dementia. If it is recognised and treated, the memory often improves too, sometimes even completely. Experts also speak here of reversible causes, because the symptoms can recede with the right treatment. The most important of these causes include:
Sometimes forgetfulness has to do with a temporary phase of life and is then no cause for concern. During menopause many women complain of concentration and memory problems that are linked to the hormonal changes and often improve again after a certain time. After a severe infection, in a phase of exhaustion or burnout or under strong emotional strain, the memory can also decline noticeably, because the brain then simply lacks the reserves for full attention. In such cases it is worth first ensuring relief, sleep and recovery and not interpreting the forgetfulness prematurely as a sign of a serious illness. If the symptoms do not improve with more rest or continue to increase, it still makes sense to have them medically assessed.
Experts speak of dementia when the memory and other mental abilities decline so far that everyday life suffers considerably and independence is lost. Alzheimer's is the most common form. At the start the short-term memory is usually affected, and unlike with normal forgetfulness the information stays permanently lost. Typically those affected tell the same things over and over, sometimes in the same words, because they cannot remember that they have already spoken about it.
Have these signs medically assessed
Beyond normal forgetfulness go, for example: repeating the same questions or stories over and over without remembering, putting objects in unusual places, difficulty with familiar tasks such as cooking or bills, getting lost in familiar surroundings, increasing word-finding problems and unexplained changes of mood or personality. If you notice such signs in yourself or a relative, have them assessed calmly by a doctor. This is no reason to panic, but the sensible next step. An exception is a sudden confusion or a sudden memory loss, especially together with speech or paralysis symptoms, because that can be an emergency and should be assessed immediately via the emergency number.
Important to know: forgetfulness is not the same as dementia. Read more about how dementia shows and what helps then in our article on dementia. And even if the suspicion is confirmed, an early diagnosis brings advantages, because the course can be accompanied and treated better. Early on, important things can also be arranged calmly and support organised, while one can still decide for oneself.
This short self-check does not replace a diagnosis but can give you a first orientation. The more points you answer with yes, the more a conversation at the practice is worthwhile. A single point is not yet a cause for worry, because everyone has a bad day or a phase with a lot of stress now and then.
The brain stays able to learn into old age, and you can do a lot for your memory. Pay attention to enough sleep, regular exercise and a balanced diet. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and demonstrably works against forgetfulness and low mood at the same time. Mental activity and above all social contacts keep the brain fit, which is why it is worth going among people and learning new things, be it a language, an instrument or a new hobby. Reduce stress, because tension makes remembering harder, and limit alcohol. Memory aids such as a calendar, note lists and fixed places for keys and glasses relieve everyday life and take pressure off remembering. An adequate fluid intake and avoiding too much alcohol also noticeably support mental performance. Anyone who is very forgetful over a long period should not rely on such aids alone, however, but have the cause assessed.
The assessment begins with a detailed conversation, ideally together with a close person, because relatives often perceive changes differently and earlier than those affected themselves. Added to this are short memory tests, such as the well-known clock test or a questionnaire, that allow a first classification within a few minutes. A blood test checks the thyroid, vitamin B12, blood sugar and other values to find treatable causes, which can often be remedied easily. Depending on the result, imaging of the head or a referral to a memory clinic follows, where experts from several fields clarify the cause precisely. Important here: the tests serve classification and are not there to frighten you, but to find treatable causes in good time.
When remembering is hard, brite takes over part of it. The app reminds you of your medications, keeps your medication plan clear and shows possible side effects such as concentration problems. This way you have less to remember and still keep your treatment safely under control.
The bottom line: forgetfulness is usually normal and well explainable, and where a cause is behind it, it is often treatable. What matters is the calm distinction between normal forgetting and a change that affects everyday life. Instead of letting yourself be led by worries, a sober look at the facts and, if in doubt, an open conversation help. Take warning signs seriously without panicking, and speak openly with your GP practice. An early assessment creates clarity and opens up the best opportunities to do something, and often also removes the nagging uncertainty. In most cases the result is reassuring, and where a cause is found, it is often treatable.
Well prepared for the appointment
Set up your medications in brite for free and take a clear overview to the appointment. This helps to track down treatable causes of forgetfulness.
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This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. With sudden confusion or memory loss, especially together with speech, vision or paralysis symptoms, please call the emergency number immediately.
