I'm not yet diagnosed with dementia... Why does forgetfulness and memory lapses keep happening?

Memory decline caused by stress

Stress interferes with the brain's ability to memorize information. Forgetfulness caused by momentary tension or temporary stress may be a one-time occurrence, but chronic and more severe stress exposes the brain to hormones released during stressful periods over a long period, causing greater impact. As a result, memory and work efficiency decline, and a vicious cycle of worsening memory can repeat.

◆ Brain function decline caused by chronic illness

Diseases that affect blood supply to the brain, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can cause blockages in thinking and memory. Conditions like hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances may also be related to memory problems. Vitamin deficiencies can often be improved simply by supplementing with vitamins, so it is important to consult with your primary care physician and find ways to restore brain function.

Depression causes decreased concentration

If you are going through difficult times due to worries, anxiety, or depression, it becomes hard to focus on the tasks at hand. When your mind is distracted, the tasks you handle are often done without full awareness, making them easy to forget. Depression can remodel parts of the brain, causing changes in the size or function of specific brain regions. These brain areas are involved in memory, particularly those related to concentration and problem-solving abilities.

◆ Medication affecting memory

If the frequency of forgetfulness increases due to certain medications, it is advisable to review the medication list. In particular, anticholinergics can cause side effects related to memory. Some antihistamines, gastrointestinal drugs, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants may also affect memory through anticholinergic action. Additionally, it is recommended to check the list of blood pressure medications, sedatives, and painkillers. In such cases, consulting a specialist can help consider alternative medications.

◆ Sleep deprivation and insomnia

Just lying in bed for 8 hours every night does not necessarily mean that the quality of sleep or rest is high. In particular, people who have a short duration of deep sleep may experience problems with memory. The amount of sleep is important, but the quality of sleep is also crucial. Fortunately, even a short nap for energy recovery can provide some level of restoration, so it is good to take a quick nap when feeling tired.

Memory decline due to excessive alcohol consumption

It is well known that drinking excessively can easily cause blackouts. However, according to related research, interestingly, it has been found that even during the detoxification process after sobering up, memory and cognitive abilities temporarily decline. For those who enjoy heavy drinking, it may take several weeks to several months to fully recover normal memory function.