Should I be worried about memory problems?

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 memory problems are beginning to have a knock-on effect on everyday life, it could be an early sign of a medical condition such as dementia.

What can cause memory problems?

Many of us notice that our memory becomes less reliable as we get older. Tiredness, stress, overwork, anxiety, depression, some physical illnesses or the side-effects of certain medications can all affect our memory. And, of course, some of us have always been more absent-minded than others. But when memory problems get worse and begin to have an impact on your daily life you should visit your GP for a check up.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. The symptoms include loss of memory, mood changes and confusion.

Dementia affects everyone in different ways, but 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
• 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
• feel confused even when in a familiar environment.

There is help available for people with dementia and treatments which can sometimes lessen the symptoms, so it is important you speak to your GP as soon as possible if you are concerned.

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