If you are concerned about your memory

Most people forget things from time to time, but it would be helpful to speak to your GP if you keep having problems with your memory that is affecting your day to day life. It's probably nothing serious, but it's best to get checked because any treatment you need may work better if it's started early.

You can also use the symptom checklist from the Alzheimer's Society to take along when you see your GP.

Memory loss can just be a part of getting older, but if often can be caused by something common and treatable such as:

• stress
• anxiety or depression
• sleeping problems (insomnia)
• infection
• medication
• pain
• dehydration
• constipation

If you think your memory difficulties may be due to stress, anxiety, or depression, you may want to look at the Buckinghamshire Talking Therapy Service, which provides support and treatment for these common mental health difficulties.

Occasionally memory loss can be a sign of something more serious such as dementia.

Try not to self-diagnose the cause of memory loss, but do discuss with your GP.

The GP will ask you some questions to try to find the cause of your memory loss.

It might be useful to bring someone else with you who can help describe the problems you are having.

Your GP may also arrange some blood tests to determine the cause of your memory loss (for instance, thyroid issues, anaemia etc).

The GP may then refer you to a Memory Clinic (see video below for more information) for an in depth investigation. Further tests such as scans may be needed.

Any treatment that’s recommended will depend on the cause of the memory problems.

View the patient information leaflet provided by the NHS PDF,180KB.

You could also record any difficulties you've experienced in the dementia checklist for possible dementia symptoms that you can talk through with your doctor.