Memory loss is one of the most unsettling experiences a person can face. While it’s often linked to conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, even minor lapses can feel alarming. Forgetting a familiar name, misplacing your phone or walking into a room only to forget why you’re there can spark real anxiety – especially if such things happen often.
But some degree of forgetfulness is a normal part of life. “We all forget things sometimes – that’s just part of being human,” says Michael Yassa, PhD, director of the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of California, Irvine.
Still, not all memory problems are alike. While some lapses are temporary and harmless, others may signal a deeper issue. The good news is that proven strategies exist to protect brain function, reduce memory loss and even sharpen recall.
Memory loss isn’t a disease itself but a symptom with a wide range of possible causes, explains Bryce Mander, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of California, Irvine. At its core, it is difficulty recalling information, events, people, objectives or experiences that one would ordinarily expect to remember.
It can involve short-term lapses like forgetting where you placed your keys; or more significant disruptions, such as being unable to recall personal details or major life events. In some cases, memory problems also include difficulty learning new information, trouble concentrating or confusion about once-familiar tasks.
Occasional memory lapses are usually not cause for alarm. Poor sleep quality, stress, head injuries, nutrient deficiencies, aging, alcohol use or medication side effects are all common culprits, says Mander.
But if memory issues become progressive, it’s time to pay attention. “If someone starts forgetting important appointments, getting lost in familiar places or struggling to keep track of daily tasks, it could be reason for concern,” says Yassa. “The best rule of thumb is getting help when it starts to interfere with daily life, relationships or overall wellbeing.”
In such cases, or if memory loss is frequent, worsening or affecting independence, he recommends seeking a medical evaluation from a specialist. Other red flags include confusion about time or place, difficulty following conversations or unexplained changes in judgment and personality.
More serious causes of memory loss often include stroke, traumatic brain injury, depression or neurological disorders. Regardless of the cause, diagnosing memory decline early is key to optimal outcomes, Mander says.
While not all memory loss is reversible or preventable, there are many ways to maintain and even enhance cognitive function and recall ability:
Memory loss doesn’t have to be inevitable. By staying physically active, mentally engaged, socially connected and attentive to overall health, many people can protect recall well into their later years. “Living a healthy life can go a long way to improving your memory,” says Mander.