When should I seek help?

It's happened to all of us at some time or another. You can't put a name to a face. You forget where you put your keys. You can't remember where you parked the car. Most of the time, such slips are a nuisance rather than a sign of something more serious.

But if you are worried that your memory - or that of someone you know - is getting noticeably worse, or if forgetfulness is beginning to have a knock-on effect on everyday life, it is worth sharing your worries and seeking advice. That's because memory problems can sometimes be an early sign of a medical condition such as dementia.

Download the 'Worried about your memory?' booklet

What can cause memory problems?

Memory problems are common. Many of us notice that our memory becomes less reliable as we get older. Tiredness, stress, overwork, anxiety, depression, some physical illnesses and/or the side-effects of certain medications can all be factors too. And, of course, some of us have always been more absent-minded.

But sometimes forgetfulness can be an early sign of dementia or other condition. And if there is a medical reason for your forgetfulness, the earlier you seek help from your GP, the better.

When should I seek help?

You should seek help without delay if your memory is not as good as it used to be and especially if you:

• struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past
• find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
  forget the names of friends or everyday objects
• cannot recall things you have heard, seen or read
  find it difficult to make decisions
• notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread of what you are saying
• have problems thinking and reasoning
• feel anxious, depressed or angry about your forgetfulness
  find that other people start to comment on your forgetfulness.

There is help available for people with dementia and treatments which can sometimes lessen the symptoms. So the earlier you get advice the better. People with dementia and their families often say that finding out about the problem was the start of getting back in control.

Take a look at Talking Point - our online resource for anyone affected by dementia

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