Neurological Awareness
Worry Hidden Behind a Key: Confronting Forgetfulness
On a warm summer evening, as I frantically searched my bag in front of the door, suddenly the thought struck me: "Where did I put the key?" All of us have had similar moments amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. In that instant, a tiny lapse in memory can turn into a major source of anxiety affecting our entire day. But how normal are these moments of forgetfulness? Or could there be a more serious reason underlying them? Many of us seek answers to this question, both for ourselves and our loved ones. In fact, is forgetfulness a natural part of human life or a sign of an illness? In this article, we'll examine the concept of forgetfulness from both scientific and emotional perspectives, and you'll find answers to many of your questions.
Definition of Forgetfulness: Everyone Forgets, But What?
Forgetfulness in medicine is called "amnesia" or a "memory disorder." In daily life, it generally describes situations where we can't remember something, the loss of short-term memory, or information quickly disappearing after being learned while studying. As our brains process billions of pieces of information, they sometimes erase what's considered unnecessary, and at other times, stress or fatigue can make it hard to recall certain memories or details. However, forgetfulness is not always a sign of disease. Memory changes that occur with age are typically classified as part of "normal aging."
Does Everyone Experience Forgetfulness?
According to a 2018 study (Source), 40% of individuals over 65 occasionally experience forgetfulness, and this is primarily considered a normal part of aging. However, not only the elderly, but young people can also often experience temporary forgetfulness. Lack of sleep, stress, heavy information load, and even vitamin deficiencies can trigger forgetfulness. According to the Brain Journal, 15–20% of individuals aged 18–34 report having "forgetful moments" from time to time.
Why Does Our Brain Forget? Forgetfulness from a Scientific Perspective
Memory, learning, and recall mechanisms occur within the brain's complex network. There are essentially three stages:
Encoding: Acquiring information and recording it in short-term memory.
Storage: Storing received information in long-term memory.
Retrieval: Recalling stored information when needed.
Sometimes, lack of attention during the encoding phase or mistakes during storage can lead to forgetfulness. Therefore, forgetfulness may either be a natural outcome of our brain's processes or point to various diseases or life circumstances.
How to Recognize Normal Forgetfulness?
The type of forgetfulness experienced by everyone and generally harmless is called "age-related cognitive slowing." It is mostly characterized by:
Difficulty finding certain words, forgetting names
Misplacing items like keys or glasses
Forgetting details of a story or event
Slight slowing in learning new information
This type of forgetfulness usually does not interfere with a person's daily functioning and does not have a major impact on social or professional life. The brain acts as a 'filter', eliminating information that is unimportant or not repeated.
When Is Forgetfulness a Sign of Disease?
In some cases, forgetfulness can signal an underlying neurological, psychological, or medical problem. Especially if the following symptoms accompany it, a medical specialist should be consulted:
Severe memory loss affecting daily life
Inability to recall recent events or repeatedly asking the same questions
Getting lost, unable to find the way, even in familiar places
Changes in behavior or obvious personality changes
Deterioration in family, work, or friendship relationships
Inability to meet basic daily needs (eating, hygiene, etc.)
These findings may be associated with "dementia" or "Alzheimer's disease" (Alzheimer Association). However, forgetfulness is not always a symptom of dementia. Proper distinction is vital at this point.
Which Kinds of Forgetfulness Should Be Considered a Disease?
Memory Issue | Normal | Disease (e.g., Dementia) |
|---|---|---|
Forgetting an appointment | Yes | Frequently forgetting important appointments repeatedly |
Getting lost in a familiar place | No | Yes, if happening frequently |
Occasionally forgetting names | Yes | Unable to remember even someone close |
Forgetting a recipe | Partially | Unable to remember or follow instructions at all |
Having trouble following a conversation | Rare | Very frequent and obvious |
The table above summarizes the main differences between normal and disease-related forgetfulness. Of course, a single symptom does not mean disease. A holistic evaluation is essential.
Prevalence of Forgetfulness and Dementia in Scientific Research
According to the Alzheimer's Association, as of 2022, about 1 million people in Turkey have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's. Globally, 55 million people are living with dementia, as of 2023 data (WHO). Alongside this, complaints of forgetfulness increase markedly with age. About 13% of people aged 65–74 experience it, and this rate rises to 44% for those aged 75–84. However, not all of these people have dementia. Most show the effects of normal aging.
Temporary Forgetfulness: Just a Part of Daily Life?
In some cases, forgetfulness can be temporary. When factors such as stress, fatigue, and depression challenge the brain's "processing capacity", short-term memory problems may appear. Experts note that "memory lapses" during exam times for students or periods of intense work for professionals are entirely natural. Even certain medications (antidepressants, sedatives, etc.), alcohol and substance use, vitamin B12 deficiencies, or thyroid disorders can lead to short-term forgetfulness. When these factors are resolved, memory typically improves.
The Emotional Side of Forgetfulness: Anxiety, Guilt, and Loneliness
Forgetfulness often makes a person feel inadequate and may trigger feelings of anger or guilt. In particular, increased forgetfulness with age can lead to "fear of aging" or a sense of "loss of value" in society. The worry of "I am forgetting too, is an illness beginning?" affects not only the elderly but also young people. Forgetting is, in fact, a natural part of being human. In some cultures, memory is seen as the bearer of a person's identity. Therefore, even small glitches in memory can leave an emotional wound. Shame, anxiety, and sometimes loneliness can accompany forgetfulness, toward family, friends, or one's self.
Supporting individuals struggling with forgetfulness complaints is invaluable. Realizing that forgetting can be normal, human, and even an opportunity at times, is important. Gaps in memory can be an invitation to discover new paths and to see life from different angles. Of course, for forgetfulness that progresses quickly or disrupts daily life, professional help is essential, but don't let small lapses in memory amid life's busy pace make you feel less worthy.
Forgetfulness and Age-Related Cognitive Slowing
As we age, the speed at which the brain processes information slows down and the "cognitive reserve"—the brain's flexibility—declines. Age-related forgetfulness commonly presents as follows:
Difficulty learning new names
Mild slowing in performing habitual tasks
Reduced speed in adapting to changes in environment
These changes are related to neurodegeneration (aging of brain cells). However, unless there are serious memory problems and the person can live independently, this is not considered a disease.
When Should You Definitely Consult a Specialist?
In addition to the symptoms listed above, the following situations may be warning signs that forgetfulness indicates a disease:
If you or someone close to you has a sudden, rapid decline in memory
If problems with language, speech, or movement also begin to appear
If it becomes difficult to meet basic daily needs
If there are frequent issues handling shopping, counting money, or using public transport
If there are obvious changes in personality or mood
In such situations, forgetfulness may signal a serious neurological disease (e.g., advancing dementia, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease), and you should consult a doctor promptly.
Science-Based Approaches to Prevent Forgetfulness
Healthy Diet: A Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits) is very beneficial for brain health.
Regular Exercise: Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-paced walking per week increases blood flow to the brain.
Cognitive Exercises: Solving puzzles, adopting new hobbies, and reading books support brain plasticity.
Adequate Sleep: For adults, an average of 7–8 hours of sleep a night is essential for memory functions.
Socializing: Spending time with friends improves language and memory skills.
These recommendations are not only for the elderly but are advised to preserve memory capacity from a young age onward (CDC).
Combating Forgetfulness: Practical and Emotional Strategies
Set reminders on your phone.
Take daily notes, keep a planner.
Stick to routines.
Allocate time for stress management (breathing exercises, yoga, meditation).
Strengthen memory by talking with loved ones.
If forgetfulness hasn't reached the level of disease, small changes in daily life can keep it under control. Being understanding toward yourself and lightening your emotional burden can also reduce the risk of disease.
Sometimes forgetting is a cleansing in the flow of life, and sometimes it's a way of building resilience in the face of challenges. Caring gently for our memory means supporting it, not forcing it.
Beyond Forgetfulness: Secrets of a Healthy Mind
Although forgetfulness can be annoying in daily life, it's important to see "forgetting" as natural for a healthy brain. Our brains erase unnecessary details while preserving what's meaningful and emotionally important to us. Don’t be surprised if you find forgetful moments increasing as life speeds up; forgetting is one of the most human aspects of being human. However, if forgetfulness progresses, disconnecting you or a loved one from daily life, that's when it's necessary to see a specialist at the right time.
Is Forgetfulness Normal, or Is It a Disease?: Conclusion
To sum up:
Almost everyone experiences forgetfulness from time to time, and most of the time it is no cause for concern.
While memory capacity decreases with age, this is usually part of the normal aging process.
Forgetfulness affecting daily life, social relations, or independent living must be evaluated without delay.
Healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, proper diet, and cognitive activities are our best support for memory preservation.
Don’t blame yourself for small lapses; value yourself and don't hesitate to seek support when needed.
Forgetfulness is not only a medical issue but can also be part of living life more meaningfully and authentically. Remember, like everyone else, you can forget from time to time; what matters is whether it affects your ability to manage your life.
References
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