Q: I have been forgetting many simple things lately. Is this something to worry about?
A: Everyone experiences a forgetful moment every once in a while. As a person ages, mild memory problems may occur. Similar to how the body ages, so does the brain, causing occasional forgetfulness that might include forgetting where you laid your car keys or the name of your neighbor's dog.
Most mild memory problems are a normal part of growing older and can be helped by:
• Taking a new educational class
• Beginning a new hobby
• Spending time with family and friends
• Exercising
• Making healthy food choices and getting the proper vitamins and minerals
• Getting enough rest
• Avoiding alcohol
• Using memory tools, such as calendars and to-do lists
• Leaving commonly used items, such as a wallet or car keys in the same place
• Getting help if you feel sad, lonely or depressed
Q: How do I know if I have a serious memory problem?
A: Most people will not experience significant memory problems, but an indication that a more serious memory problem is present could include, having trouble carrying out everyday activities, such as shopping or driving, or losing interest in doing activities you enjoyed in the past.
Other signs of a more serious memory problem are:
• Becoming easily lost or confused in familiar places
• Asking the same question over and over
• Repeating the same information over and over
• Becoming uninterested in activities that you once enjoyed
• Becoming easily annoyed and irritable
• Having trouble concentrating
If you are having trouble with any of the problems listed above, talk to your doctor. While Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are two common culprits of significant memory loss, there could be many other reasons for memory problems, such as:
• A negative reaction to a medication
• Depression
• Dehydration (not having enough fluids in your body)
• A head injury
• Thyroid problems
• Stroke
• Poor nutrition
Only your doctor will be able to diagnose your problem. If your doctor suspects you are having a significant memory problem, they may do a complete checkup, including blood and urine testing. They may also administer tests to check your memory, problem solving ability, and language and counting skills.
Once your doctor has diagnosed your problem, they will work with you to determine the best treatment. If your memory loss does turn out to be a more serious disease, studies show that early treatment can often delay the full onset of that disease.
- Dr. Sievers is a psychologist who treats mental and behavioral problems in adolescents and adults. To make an appointment with Dr. Sievers please call Monroe Clinic at
(608) 324-2321.
A: Everyone experiences a forgetful moment every once in a while. As a person ages, mild memory problems may occur. Similar to how the body ages, so does the brain, causing occasional forgetfulness that might include forgetting where you laid your car keys or the name of your neighbor's dog.
Most mild memory problems are a normal part of growing older and can be helped by:
• Taking a new educational class
• Beginning a new hobby
• Spending time with family and friends
• Exercising
• Making healthy food choices and getting the proper vitamins and minerals
• Getting enough rest
• Avoiding alcohol
• Using memory tools, such as calendars and to-do lists
• Leaving commonly used items, such as a wallet or car keys in the same place
• Getting help if you feel sad, lonely or depressed
Q: How do I know if I have a serious memory problem?
A: Most people will not experience significant memory problems, but an indication that a more serious memory problem is present could include, having trouble carrying out everyday activities, such as shopping or driving, or losing interest in doing activities you enjoyed in the past.
Other signs of a more serious memory problem are:
• Becoming easily lost or confused in familiar places
• Asking the same question over and over
• Repeating the same information over and over
• Becoming uninterested in activities that you once enjoyed
• Becoming easily annoyed and irritable
• Having trouble concentrating
If you are having trouble with any of the problems listed above, talk to your doctor. While Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are two common culprits of significant memory loss, there could be many other reasons for memory problems, such as:
• A negative reaction to a medication
• Depression
• Dehydration (not having enough fluids in your body)
• A head injury
• Thyroid problems
• Stroke
• Poor nutrition
Only your doctor will be able to diagnose your problem. If your doctor suspects you are having a significant memory problem, they may do a complete checkup, including blood and urine testing. They may also administer tests to check your memory, problem solving ability, and language and counting skills.
Once your doctor has diagnosed your problem, they will work with you to determine the best treatment. If your memory loss does turn out to be a more serious disease, studies show that early treatment can often delay the full onset of that disease.
- Dr. Sievers is a psychologist who treats mental and behavioral problems in adolescents and adults. To make an appointment with Dr. Sievers please call Monroe Clinic at
(608) 324-2321.
