{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/memory-issues","path":"/library/memory-issues","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/memory-issues","title":"Memory Issues and Mental Health","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover memory problems, including forgetfulness, word confusion, repetition, getting lost, and neglecting tasks.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/memory-issues","wordpressId":"8130","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/karina-thadani#person","name":"Karina Thadani","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/karina-thadani"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. George","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-25T14:15:29Z","dateModified":"2025-08-13T11:43:48Z"},"content":{"html":"

Memory Issues and Mental Health

Written by \"\"Karina ThadaniMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on
\"A

Key takeaways

  • Occasional forgetfulness is common, but memory problems become concerning when they interfere with daily life.
  • Warning signs can include repeated questions, confusion about familiar places, and neglected responsibilities.
  • Progressive memory loss may indicate dementia or another underlying problem rather than ordinary aging alone.

What Are Memory Problems?

Everyone experiences forgetfulness. For example, it’s common to misplace keys or forget about an appointment every now and then. When forgetfulness becomes severe and starts interfering with daily life, however, it may be a cause for concern. Unusual forgetfulness, also known as memory problems or memory loss, may include the following: [1]

Signs of memory difficulties

    \n
  • Forgetting or mixing up words
    • \n
  • Forgetting or mixing up times, locations, and people
    • \n
  • Repeating the same questions multiple times
    • \n
  • Getting lost in familiar areas
    • \n
  • Neglecting responsibilities (such as work or financial obligations)
    • \n
  • Placing items in the wrong locations (such as leaving keys with kitchen supplies)
    • \n
  • Neglecting personal hygiene [2]
    • \n

Aging and progressive memory changes

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, approximately 40% of people will experience some form of memory loss after age 65[3].

If memory loss progresses, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease[4].
Depending on the cause, memory problems can greatly impact both physical and mental health. Let’s take a closer look at different types of memory loss, possible causes, and how to cope with memory problems.

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Samantha Pieterse

Psychiatric nursing and mental health care

References

  1. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Aging. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Does an Older Adult in Your Life Need Help? National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Aging. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Alzheimer Society of Canada. (n.d.). The differences between normal aging and dementia. alzheimer.ca. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Dementia. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Karina Thadani

Writer

Bridget Coila is a writer, specializing in topics related to childhood development, parenting, pregnancy, and grief.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Mental Health

A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.

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Unusual forgetfulness, also known as memory problems or memory loss, may include the following: [1] Signs of memory difficulties Forgetting or mixing up words Forgetting or mixing up times, locations, and people Repeating the same questions multiple times Getting lost in familiar areas Neglecting responsibilities (such as work or financial obligations) Placing items in the wrong locations (such as leaving keys with kitchen supplies) Neglecting personal hygiene [2] Aging and progressive memory changes Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, approximately 40% of people will experience some form of memory loss after age 65[3]. If memory loss progresses, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease[4]. Depending on the cause, memory problems can greatly impact both physical and mental health. Let’s take a closer look at different types of memory loss, possible causes, and how to cope with memory problems. Subject matter expert Samantha Pieterse Psychiatric nursing and mental health care References National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Aging. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Does an Older Adult in Your Life Need Help? National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Aging. Accessed October 10 2026. Alzheimer Society of Canada. (n.d.). The differences between normal aging and dementia. alzheimer.ca. Accessed October 10 2026. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Dementia. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Karina Thadani Writer Bridget Coila is a writer, specializing in topics related to childhood development, parenting, pregnancy, and grief. Published June 25, 2024 Updated August 13, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. 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