Neurological Awareness
Introduction: Where’s My Key?
Mr. Ali started each morning with the same routine. However, for a few weeks now, he’s been struggling to find his keys after breakfast, and would close the door to his study without remembering why he had walked in there. At first, he shrugged it off, thinking, “I’m just getting older.” But recently, he began to worry when he realized he’d forgotten his way, or couldn’t remember what he was looking for at the market. Forgetfulness is a temporary issue for most of us. But sometimes, it can become severe enough to affect our daily functionality—signaling something more significant than it seems. So how does one know when forgetfulness is no longer ordinary and needs to be taken seriously? And from a brain health perspective, when should you seek a specialist?
Forgetfulness: Just a Normal Part of Life?
Experiencing occasional forgetfulness is part of the natural human experience. High stress, lack of sleep, extreme fatigue, or distraction can all contribute to forgetfulness. Yet, what we often accept as “normal aging” can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, a number expected to rise to 139 million by 2050 (Source). Understanding when forgetfulness crosses the line is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Brain Health and Forgetfulness
Our brain stores, processes, and retrieves information all day—much like a computer. But just like a computer, it can occasionally “slow down” or show glitches. Memory is a complex system composed of attention, learning, storage, and recall processes. Minor memory lapses are often linked to simple factors like fatigue, stress, or lack of caffeine, but sometimes they're tied to changes in brain cells, especially in the hippocampus and frontal lobes. These changes can signal the onset of a neurological process, most notably Alzheimer’s disease.
What Causes Forgetfulness?
Age-Related Changes: Memory decline with age is normal. Usually, this presents as slower recall, not actual memory loss.
Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress increases cortisol, leading to hippocampal shrinkage and memory issues.
Depression: Mood disorders are linked to forgetfulness and concentration problems.
Insufficient Sleep: 35% of adults report sleeping less than the recommended seven hours (CDC), adversely affecting memory and learning capacity.
Medications and Alcohol: Some drugs (e.g., sleeping pills, antidepressants, antipsychotics) and long-term alcohol use can harm memory.
B12 and Folate Deficiency: Deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to neurological deficits and thus forgetfulness.
Medical Conditions: Disorders like thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease can impair memory as well.
When Should Forgetfulness Be Taken Seriously? Key Indicators
Everyone occasionally forgets names, phone numbers, or important belongings. But when does forgetfulness stop being “ordinary”? Main signs that forgetfulness should be taken seriously include:
Impact on Daily Life: When forgetfulness negatively affects work, family, or social life.
Repeatedly Asking the Same Questions: Frequently repeating questions or information to others.
Getting Lost: Losing your way or sense of direction in familiar places.
Misplacing Items and blaming others for not finding them.
Difficulty Performing Complex Tasks: Struggling with step-by-step procedures like following a recipe or paying bills.
Emotional and Personality Changes: Notable irritability, withdrawal, apathy, or a depressive mood.
Safety Issues: Forgetting to turn off the stove, not locking doors, or engaging in risky behaviors like wandering off.
Types of Forgetfulness: Which Are Normal?
Normal Forgetfulness | Pathological (Serious) Forgetfulness |
|---|---|
Struggling to recall a name, but eventually remembering it | Never recalling even very familiar names |
Forgetting the day of the week | Forgetting which city or season you are in |
Occasionally misplacing items | Frequently putting important items in illogical places |
Slower learning of new information | Inability to learn any new information |
Forgetfulness during especially stressful times | Chronic and progressive forgetfulness |
First Signs of Neurological Diseases
Sometimes, forgetfulness can be the first sign of serious brain disorders. Memory lapses are particularly common in dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, vascular dementia, and certain rare diseases. In Turkey, studies have found the prevalence of dementia among people aged 65 and older is 8.5% (Source).
For instance, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people may struggle to recall recent events while older memories remain intact. Over time, however, disorientation, language difficulties, personality changes, and loss of daily living skills can occur.
Forgetfulness and Age: Memory Changes in Old Age
There is a common misconception that everyone becomes forgetful as they age. Although “the time to access information from memory” might increase with age, core personal memory and fundamental details are typically preserved. Research shows that age-related cognitive slowing usually begins in the 50s, but more than 60% of people continue functioning without serious illness (Source). What truly matters is whether forgetfulness interferes with functioning.
Self-Test: Assessing Your Memory
A simple checklist can provide insight into your memory. If you answer “yes” to most of the questions below, you should seek medical advice:
Do you struggle to learn new information without multiple hints?
Do you frequently forget recent events and repeatedly ask others about them?
Do you regularly get confused by everyday tasks (shopping, cooking, bill payments)?
Have loved ones told you, “you’ve changed,” or “you forget a lot”?
Have you ever gotten lost in familiar surroundings?
How Not to Fear Forgetfulness—And How to Be Prepared
Forgetfulness is often felt as something to be ashamed of. Yet, our memory slowing down from time to time is a natural human phenomenon. What’s truly concerning is when these changes become “abnormal.” For better brain health, here are scientific recommendations:
Healthy Diet: The Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables may reduce dementia risk (Source).
Physical Activity: 150 minutes of exercise per week increases blood flow and benefits the brain.
Consistent Sleep Patterns: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, with 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, is vital for memory.
Keep Your Mind Active: Reading, solving puzzles, playing chess, and learning new hobbies strengthen synapses.
Stay Social: Isolated living accelerates cognitive decline. Social relationships boost brain reserve.
Manage Stress: Meditation, breathing exercises, and nature walks help lower stress hormones.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your forgetfulness fits any of the following criteria, you should consult a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist:
Forgetfulness is progressively worsening,
It interferes with your daily activities,
You frequently confuse the time or place,
Your family notices “changes” or “increased forgetfulness,”
There are significant personality or behavioral changes,
Other symptoms or illnesses (headache, fatigue, imbalance) are present as well…
Diagnosis and Treatment Process
A physician will first take your medical history and use specific tests to determine which domains are affected. Tools like MOCA or MMSE may be used, along with blood tests (B12, thyroid, vitamin D) and brain MRI/CT scans. Based on the results, a tailored treatment plan can be developed. In some cases, underlying causes like depression, vitamin deficiency, or chronic illness are found. Seeking help early increases the chance of successful treatment and slows progression.
The Emotional Burden of Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness deeply affects not just the individual, but also their families. Watching loved ones “ask the same things over and over” or get lost can be distressing. Many patients have early awareness and experience sadness. That’s why emotional support is essential, as is knowing you are not alone. Especially for caregivers, being understanding, patient, and empathetic—instead of blameful and critical—is vital.
“Our aim is not to see forgetfulness as a terrifying enemy, but to take it seriously when needed and take the right steps to protect our lives.”
Scientific Ways to Prevent Forgetfulness
Have regular health check-ups
Avoid unbalanced and excessive alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Maintain high-quality and regular sleep
Engage in activities that keep the mind active
Adopt new hobbies and keep learning new things
Frequently Asked Questions
I sometimes forget my shopping list. Should I worry?
Everyday, temporary forgetfulness is usually not serious. But if the issue is getting worse, it should be monitored.There’s Alzheimer’s in my family; am I at risk?
Family history does increase risk. However, lifestyle changes can delay its onset.Should I take vitamin supplements?
Deficiencies in B12, folate, and vitamin D should be determined by blood tests; supplements should be taken upon a doctor’s advice.My forgetfulness increases when I’m stressed. Is that normal?
Yes, stress can cause temporary memory lapses. If you’re predisposed, this effect may be even more pronounced.
Conclusion: Take Care of Your Memory
Misplacing a key or occasionally being puzzled at the apartment door does not always mean illness. But if forgetfulness starts to threaten your life, relationships, or safety, it needs to be taken seriously. Remember, no one has to go through this process alone. With early awareness, loving communication, and the right medical support, it’s possible to maintain a high quality of life for many years. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Life is most beautiful when we collect good memories together. Taking forgetfulness seriously is a way to protect both ourselves and those we love. Wishing you happy, healthy, and memory-filled days.
References
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