Memory problems

What is important to know

Memory is closely related to attention and concentration. To remember something, the brain must first perceive and process the information well enough.

Therefore, with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, severe fatigue or lack of sleep, a person may feel that memory has become worse, although the main difficulty is due to the fact that attention is constantly distracted or information is less recorded.

Depression may include forgetfulness, a feeling of brain fog, slowed thinking, and difficulty concentrating. Similar complaints may also occur with anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, certain physical and neurological diseases, and under the influence of medications or substances.

It is important to evaluate not only the fact of forgetfulness, but also when it began, how quickly it progresses, and how it affects everyday independence.

How memory impairment may manifest itself

A person may notice that:

more often forgets recent conversations or agreements;

you have to re-read the same information several times;

it is difficult to remember a to-do list or sequence of actions;

things get lost more often;

It becomes more difficult to remember names, words or necessary information;

the person forgets why he came into the room or what he was going to do;

you have to use notes and reminders more often;

it becomes more difficult to assimilate new information;

after a conversation or reading a text, it is difficult to remember details;

Forgetfulness begins to interfere with work, school, or daily responsibilities.

What to pay attention to

When did memory problems first appear?

Did they arise gradually or suddenly?

Do the difficulties become more pronounced over time?

What kind of events are forgotten: recent or long ago.

Do you have problems with concentration and attention at the same time?

Have your sleep, mood, anxiety or energy levels changed?

Is there significant fatigue, depression or loss of interest?

Has it become more difficult to plan, navigate, count, or perform habitual sequential actions?

Whether the changes began after an illness, head injury, severe stress, or a change in drug therapy.

Whether alcohol, sedatives or other substances are used.

Do loved ones notice memory deterioration?

How forgetfulness affects work, finances, medication, driving and other daily tasks.

What can help

When experiencing temporary forgetfulness, it is useful to first pay attention to the quality of sleep, stress level, physical activity and the number of tasks that have to be kept in mind at the same time.

Lists, a calendar, reminders, a permanent place for important things, and doing one task at a time can help.

If the underlying problem is anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbance, improvements in these conditions often have a positive effect on cognitive function.

With persistent memory deterioration, it is important not only to “train the brain”, but to determine the possible cause of the changes.

When to ask for help

Contact your doctor if memory loss persists, gets worse, or begins to noticeably interfere with work, school, or independent daily living.

A medical evaluation is especially important if a person begins to forget important events, regularly skips taking medications, gets lost in familiar places, has difficulty with usual everyday activities, or others also notice significant changes in memory and behaviour.

If memory problems are accompanied by depressed mood, anxiety, severe fatigue or sleep disturbances, it is also worth assessing your mental state.

If memory loss or confusion appears suddenly, especially when accompanied by speech problems, weakness or numbness in the limbs, disorientation, severe headache or other acute neurological symptoms, urgent medical attention is needed.