Memory loss: causes, symptoms, treatment and when to see a GP

The NHS says memory loss can just be a natural part of getting older. Sometimes it may be caused by something common and treatable such as stress, anxiety or depression, or sleeping problems (insomnia). Occasionally it can be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society adds that many people find their memory gets worse when they are unwell, whether from a physical illness such as an infection or a long-term condition, and that it is also common in people experiencing poor mental health and stress. Becoming more forgetful does not mean you have dementia. If memory loss is caused by a treatable health condition, it can improve with the right support.

The Alzheimer's Society says people often forget things more as they get older, and most often this is a normal sign of ageing. If a problem is mildly annoying but does not affect your ability to do things in everyday life, it is unlikely to be a sign of dementia. Examples it gives of common changes with age include forgetting the names of people you do not know well, misplacing items such as keys or glasses, missing the occasional appointment or birthday, not finding the right word, and taking longer to think things through.

Dementia is different: mental abilities become noticeably worse over several months rather than gradually over many years, and it becomes increasingly difficult to manage everyday tasks alone. The NHS lists common early symptoms as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word, being confused about time and place, and mood changes.

The NHS says any treatment that is recommended depends on the cause of the memory problems. When the cause is something treatable, such as depression, anxiety or poor sleep, treating it can help the memory problems improve. The Alzheimer's Society says many of the causes of memory problems can get better with the right support and treatment.

If a medicine may be responsible, the Alzheimer's Society suggests checking the leaflet for memory or thinking side effects and asking a GP or pharmacist. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. If dementia is diagnosed, the NHS dementia guide covers treatment, care and support, and the Alzheimer's Society offers memory aids and tools.

The NHS says a GP will ask some questions to try to find the cause, and it might be useful to bring someone else who can help describe the problems you are having. The GP may refer you to a memory specialist for an in-depth assessment, and further tests, such as scans, may sometimes be needed.

The Alzheimer's Society notes that it can be hard to see these changes in yourself, so listening to people close to you can help; if they say something is not right, it could be a good idea to check in with your GP. Dementia can only be diagnosed by a qualified health professional. The Alzheimer's Society also offers a checklist of possible dementia symptoms to help you describe them to a GP.

The NHS describes memory loss (amnesia) as something most people experience from time to time, in the form of forgetting things. It becomes a concern when the problems keep happening or affect daily life. Memory can be affected in different ways: the Alzheimer's Society describes not being able to create new memories, taking longer to retrieve information, and not being able to retrieve information that has been stored, which are the patterns seen in dementia.

Memory loss in dementia is caused by damage to the areas of the brain involved in creating and retrieving memories. For people with Alzheimer's disease it is often among the very first signs, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

See a GP if memory problems are affecting your day-to-day life, if they keep happening, or if you are worried about a relative who is becoming increasingly forgetful. The NHS says it is often nothing serious, but it is best to get checked because any treatment you need may work better if started early.

Sudden changes need urgent help. The NHS says stroke-like symptoms, including muscle weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body, require urgent medical attention. If memory loss or confusion comes on suddenly along with stroke-like symptoms, call 999. NHS 111 can advise if you are unsure how urgent it is.

On the NHS, the route is a GP appointment, then if needed a referral to a memory specialist for assessment and scans. The NHS says treatment depends on the cause.

Some people look at private memory assessments. The UK sources used here do not describe private services or costs, so this guide does not either. A private assessment can still be useful as a second opinion, but treat results as one input and share them with your GP.