Experiencing memory loss is a natural phenomenon. However, it happens that this disorder is a sign of cognitive illnesses. Explanations.
Do you often forget your keys? Your vital card? Or even your wallet? Although these memory problems are most of the time benign, they can sometimes signal the start of an illness.
Occasional oversights should not worry
To remember something, the brain must perceive the information, store it, consolidate it and then be able to retrieve it when needed.
However, if this complex process is disrupted, the memorization of information can be affected. A lack of sleep, an anxious state or even significant stress can in particular play a role in these small oversights.
This is why it is sometimes necessary to repeat and structure information (using titles and subtitles for a lesson for example) in order to remember it better.
But in the event of repeated forgetting, when should you be alarmed? What is the “forgetting” threshold that should not be exceeded? Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens, enlightens us.
“It’s normal to occasionally forget things in everyday life: keys, first names of people you’ve met, etc. On the other hand, these memory losses become problematic and worrying when they increase in frequency and affect daily life. For example, the person forgets recent events, recent memories… The individual concerned may also have difficulty “fixing” elements, which occurred a few hours or a few days before. Then, it can become difficult to solve simple everyday problems, to follow instructions, to make decisions… Those around you often point this out,” says the emergency doctor.
Then, when the memory loss worsens, we see a change in the person’s behavior.
“It becomes confused, disoriented, no longer has any bearings in time and space. At the last stage, everyday actions become complicated: we no longer know how to use a fork,” confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek .
Frequent memory loss: what to do?
In the event of repeated memory lapses, which affect daily life, you should consult a health professional, starting with your doctor.
A memory consultation can then be carried out, in order to assess the problems identified by the doctor.
