Memory loss concerns: When to see a doctor
It is normal for our brain to change as we age. These changes often result in memory loss. However, memory loss can also be a sign of a medical condition, like dementia.
To help identify signs of normal aging and signs that you should see a doctor, use the table below provided by the Texas Department of Health Services.
What are signs of normal aging?
- Forgets names momentarily
- Makes occasional errors in their checkbook
- Forgets appointments or events, remembers later
- Occasionally needs help with the microwave or operating the TV
- Momentarily confused about the day of the week
- Vision changes due to cataracts
- Struggles finding the right word, but remembers later
- Sometimes misplaces things
- Sometimes makes bad purchasing decisions
- Sometimes uninterested in work, family or other social obligations
- Irritable when a routine is disrupted
- Forgets conversations
- Thinks things through slowly
- Forgets why they went into a room, but then remembers
- Able to recall an incidence of forgetfulness
- Worries about memory, but no one else does
What are signs it may be dementia?
- Forgets their child’s name
- Has trouble with familiar recipes or monthly bills
- Forgets important dates or events
- Has trouble driving to familiar locations
- Loses track of dates, seasons and passage of time
- Has difficulty with reading, judging distance, or colors
- Calls familiar things by the wrong name
- Puts things in unusual places, such as keys in the fridge
- Shows exceptionally poor judgment with money
- Withdraws from hobbies, social events or sports
- Shows extreme anxiety or anger with change of routine
- Asks for the same information over and over
- Has trouble following or joining a conversation
- Doesn’t recognize familiar places
- Doesn’t remember incidence of memory loss
- Relatives worry about memory loss
How to ask someone to see a doctor about their memory loss
Experiencing memory loss can bring a range of emotions for the person experiencing memory loss and their loved ones.