Memory Loss

Normal ageing is the most common cause of a decline in memory, and it’s totally normal to become more forgetful as you get older.

However, memory loss can also be down to a wide range of medical problems and conditions, and even certain lifestyle factors.

Causes of memory loss include:

• Ageing
• Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy
• Stress, anxiety, depression or emotional trauma
• Sleeping problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke and vascular disorders of the brain
• Medications, including opioid painkillers, chemotherapy and benzodiazepines
• High usage of alcohol or illegal drugs

To diagnose the cause of your memory loss, you will need to have a consultation with a OneWelbeck neurologist. At your appointment, your consultant will do a physical examination and will also perform some question-and-answer tests to assess your memory and other thinking skills. Diagnostic tests such as brain scanning, more detailed cognitive testing and blood tests will be used to clarify the underlying cause of the memory impairment.

Given that Alzheimer’s disease is by far the commonest disease causing memory impairment, there is also the capability to undertake more sensitive tests looking specifically for early Alzheimer’s disease, such as a lumbar puncture to look for the amyloid and tau proteins associated with the disorder. Such tests are becoming of increasing importance given the arrival of new medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease but are highly complex and need to be performed by specialist neurological services.

The results of these tests will help your consultant identify the cause of your memory loss so they can recommend the best possible course of treatment.  

The possible treatments for your memory loss very much depend on the cause. At your follow-up consultation, your OneWelbeck neurologist will explain your diagnosis and the best course of action. They will talk you through the treatment required and answer any questions you may have.