Worried about your memory?
Table of Contents
Worried about you memory?
Becoming forgetful doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss can be caused by physical or mental health problems, and sometimes it's a just a normal sign of ageing. But it's always better to know.
What causes memory problems?
Many people find that their memory gets worse when they are unwell. This could be caused by physical illness, such as an infection or a long-term condition. It’s also common in people who are experiencing poor mental health and stress.
Becoming more forgetful does not mean that you have dementia. Some people can remember things better than others.
Many of the causes of memory problems can get better with the right support and treatment. If memory problems are affecting everyday life, consider speaking with a GP.
What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?
Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. refers to small deteriorations in cognition (mental abilities) that, while noticeable, do not interfere too greatly with your everyday life. The changes are greater than would be expected with normal ageing.
If a person regularly has difficulty doing certain mental tasks they used to do very easily, it may be a sign that they have ‘mild cognitive impairment’.
Mild means that, although symptoms may be troubling, the person is still able to manage themselves well and do most everyday activities.
Cognitive roughly means ‘thinking’ but also includes the abilities to learn, remember, understand, pay attention, communicate, or process sensory information.
Impairment means not working as well as expected for the person’s age and background.
The symptoms of MCI include:
- difficulty remembering dates and times
- difficulty finding names and words
- leaving tasks unfinished, such as cooking and DIY
- easily losing concentration, eg when reading or paying for shopping
- losing track of what you want to say
- changes in social behaviour, eg becoming more subdued or extroverted
- changes in mood and emotions
- changes in judgement, eg judging when it is safe to cross the road
- getting lost or feeling more anxious when out and about
- losing the confidence to go out and do the things you used to enjoy
Your family, friends and colleagues may notice these changes and comment that you seem different from how you usually are.
Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms of MCI, and you may feel the effects more on some days than on others, for example if you are tired or stressed.
If you are concerned about having MCI or someone that you know, you should contact your GP and arrange an appointment.
For more information please visit these useful resources:
How is normal ageing different from dementia?
As people get older, they are likely to notice some changes in their mental abilities. Though these changes can be frustrating, they are a natural part of ageing.
Dementia is not a normal part of getting older.
When a person has dementia, this worsening in mental abilities is much more serious. For a health professional to diagnose dementia, a person’s symptoms must be significantly affecting their daily life. This means having difficulties with completing daily tasks about the house, in the community or at work.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain.
The symptoms of dementia may be small to start with, but get worse over time and include:
- memory loss
- confusion and needing help with daily tasks
- problems with language and understanding
- changes in behaviour
Speaking to your GP about your symptoms can be difficult. Alzhiemers’s Society have a checklist to help you make a note of symptoms before you talk to your GP.
Dementia symptoms checklist | Alzheimer’s Society
What should I do if I think I have dementia?
If you’re worried you may have dementia it’s important to book an appointment to see your doctor. If you think dementia may be affecting someone you know, try to encourage them to see their doctor – you could offer to go with them for support if they seem reluctant.
When you see your doctor they should discuss your symptoms with you. They may ask you some questions to test your thinking and memory and carry out some health checks to look out for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. They might make a decision based on this, but they may have to refer you to a memory clinic or consultant with specialist knowledge for a fuller assessment.
Should you talk to someone about their memory problems?
Talking to someone you know about the problems they are having with their memory can help them to get the support they need.
There isn’t a right or wrong way to discuss what you’ve noticed. However, it can be a good idea to consider in advance what you want to say.
Speaking to a GP about someone else’s memory problems
If you can’t persuade someone to see their GP and you are still worried, you could mention your concerns to the GP yourself.
Patient confidentiality means a GP is not able to give out information about a patient, but they are able to receive information. It is up to the individual GP to decide if they should act on the information you have provided.
Contact Us for Support
If you or a loved one is living with dementia, Age UK Hertfordshire is here to support you. Our dedicated team can provide information, advice, and connect you with the resources you need.
- Call Us: Speak to an advisor at 0300 101 3946.
- Email Us: Send your queries to info@memorysupportherts.org.uk
Age UK Hertfordshire – Here for You Every Step of the Way
Navigating life with dementia can be challenging, but you’re not alone. With the right support, you can focus on what matters most – living well with dementia.