Memory Loss
Memory loss is an unusual level of forgetfulness. It’s often a result of natural ageing, but can also be caused by a range of medical problems and conditions.
What is memory loss?
Memory loss goes by many names - forgetfulness, amnesia, impaired memory, amnestic syndrome, just to name a few. It’s normal to forget things from time to time, but memory loss is an unusual degree of forgetfulness. For example, you may have difficulty remembering information from one day to the next or recent conversations. Sometimes memory impairment of this kind can occur on its own, but if it’s associated with other symptoms, such as a poorer sense of direction or becoming less organised, it may be a sign of an underlying neurological disorder that requires treatment.
If you’re worried about your memory, it’s affecting your day-to-day life, or if it’s deteriorating quickly, it’s important to seek a diagnosis and undergo any necessary treatment. Our expert neurologists see patients with memory loss in our state-of-the-art Neurology centre. They have access to the most advanced diagnostics and treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Memory loss can affect everyone differently, and changes in your memory may happen gradually over time, making them hard to spot.
Common examples of memory loss include:
not being able to recall information from one day to the next
forgetting appointments or plans
not remembering recent conversations
misplacing items
going into a room and forgetting why
Other associated symptoms may include:
difficulty remembering words or names
getting lost more easily
forgetting how to use items such as household appliances
Normal ageing is the most common cause of a decline in memory, and it’s totally normal to become more forgetful as you get older. However, memory loss can also be caused by a wide range of medical problems and conditions, and even certain lifestyle factors.
Causes of memory loss include:
ageing
neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy
stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma
sleeping problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea
traumatic brain injury
stroke and vascular disorders of the brain
medications, including opioid painkillers, chemotherapy, and benzodiazepines
high usage of alcohol or illegal drugs
At an initial consultation with a Welbeck neurologist, your consultant will carry out a physical examination and will also perform some question-and-answer tests to assess your memory and other thinking skills. They’ll use further diagnostic tests to look for the underlying cause of your memory loss.
Other diagnostic tests may include:
brain scans such as CT or MRI
more detailed cognitive testing
blood tests
Given that Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common disease that causes memory loss, you may also be offered more specialist, sensitive tests looking specifically for early Alzheimer’s disease. Such tests are becoming increasingly important as there are now so many new medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additional tests for Alzheimer’s disease may include:
lumbar puncture to look for amyloid and tau proteins
blood tests
further brain scans to look for characteristic protein deposits
The results of any tests will be carefully explained to you along with the recommended next steps for any treatment. Our consultants are experts in explaining results to patients with memory loss, but it can be a good idea to bring someone with you to your consultation to help you.
It’s not always possible to prevent memory loss, but there are certain things you can do to keep your brain healthy and reduce your risk.
Reduce your risk of memory loss by:
exercising regularly
making sure you get enough sleep
keeping your brain active, for example, with reading, puzzles, and games
reducing alcohol intake
avoiding smoking
managing stress
managing other health conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders
If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, you can talk to our team about early screening and prevention.
Memory loss can have a significant impact on your daily life and independence. Without proper diagnosis and care, memory loss can deteriorate and may lead to:
loss of independence
impaired judgement and risk-taking
frustration, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression
Memory loss may also cause problems with missing medication or taking too much medication, for other conditions, which may then lead to further medical problems.
The possible treatments for your memory loss very much depend on the cause. At your follow-up consultation, your Welbeck neurologist will explain your diagnosis and the best course of action. They’ll talk you through any treatment recommendations and answer any questions you may have.
Our experienced and caring team are experts in ensuring the best possible outcome following any symptoms of memory loss. They’ll help empower you to take control of your cognitive health and maintain your independence.
At Welbeck, our neurologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Get in touch today to book an appointment.
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Frequently asked questions
This will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, memory loss can be reversed if the underlying cause can be treated. Even with conditions that tend to cause a deterioration in memory over time, many treatments can help to prevent or slow a decline in your memory. Getting a correct and early diagnosis for any memory issues can really help with this.
Yes, even mild dehydration can impair focus and short-term memory. Deficiencies in B12, folate, or omega-3 fatty acids can also affect brain function and mimic signs of cognitive decline.
No. Although some forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing, if you find that you’re forgetting things that happened very recently, like recent conversations, or what you did yesterday, it’s important to arrange a consultation with a neurologist.
Yes, menopause can cause memory issues (often referred to as brain fog), but they’re usually temporary and related to hormonal changes, sleep, and mood. With the right support and lifestyle changes, most women regain mental clarity. If you’re unsure if your memory problems are caused by menopause, our team can help.