Are you worried that your growing forgetfulness could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? While that can always be a possibility, here are seven other less serious things that might could be causing this. The best news is that they are all treatable. In most instances you will want to consult a medical professional.
Stress – emotional or financial stress can significantly affect your memory.
Anxiety – uncontrolled anxiety can also lead to memory losses. Check with a doctor to see if you have an anxiety disorder that can be treated.
Medications – medications can cause memory slips. Some antidepressants can cause that to happen, as well as sedative medications or sleep medications, and blood pressure drugs. When you take any medication, you need to know about the potential side effects and if slips in memory are one, then that explains the issue.
Sleep – not enough sleep has been shown to diminish cognitive abilities. if you are waking up not feeling rested, and if you are also more anxious and moody that also shows that you could be having a lack of sleep. Another problem with not having enough sleep is that your memory can suffer as well. See a sleep specialist if necessary.
Underactive Thyroid – can also cause you to have memory slips. Your thyroid is like a furnace and if it is not working well, then other parts of your body don’t.
Unresolved Trauma – complex trauma or PTSD can also lead to memory problems. If you had too much trauma in your childhood or a severely traumatic event sometime in your adulthood that you have not been able to face, that can cause you to dissociate. When you dissociate, you are not grounded and you also have memory slips. The best thing to do is to talk to a therapist that specializes in trauma that can help you cope.
Depression – memory slips with depression. If you are experiencing excessive sadness, lack of energy or self-esteem, and lack of drive, that is depression.
As you can see, there are many other less serious treatable causes that can contribute to forgetfulness other than Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you suspect any might be affecting you, see a medical professional.
