Is My Forgetfulness Normal?

Everyone forgets things from time to time, and it’s natural to forget more as we age. But how can you tell if your forgetfulness has become a sign of something more serious?

A general guideline is that if forgetfulness starts to impact your daily life, such as work, time with family or friends, or your ability to care for yourself, it’s time to consult your doctor. Occasional memory blips that don’t disrupt your daily routine are usually normal. Forgetfulness is expected, but memory loss that impacts your daily life is not a normal part of aging.

While not a formal memory-loss test, the questions below, based on the Alzheimer’s Association’s early signs of dementia, can help determine when to speak with your doctor.

1. Do you frequently forget important information like dates, names or places, and rely more on reminder apps or notes?
   
   
2. Are you finding it harder to solve problems or handle money, like balancing a checkbook or estimating grocery bills?
   
   
3. Do you find it hard to retrace your steps to find misplaced items?
   
   
4. Do you have difficulty completing once-familiar tasks, like pumping gas or following a recipe?
   
   
5. Are you having trouble keeping track of time and place, or getting confused about events not happening right now? This could include forgetting the upcoming season or how you arrived somewhere.
   
   
6. Do you have trouble seeing things clearly or keeping your balance?
   
   
7. Are you having trouble finding the right words or following conversations? Do you find it hard to finish telling a story?
   
   
8. Have you or others noticed changes in your judgement or decision-making abilities? This could include changes in personal hygiene habits or spending money unwisely.
   
   
9. Are you giving up on activities you used to enjoy because you find them confusing?
   
   
10. Do you feel more anxious or upset than usual, or have others commented on this?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s a sign you should discuss your memory concerns with your primary care physician. They can conduct further tests to determine if there’s cause for concern and whether a referral to the memory clinic is appropriate.