Dementia Action Week

The theme for this year is Diagnosis

Becoming forgetful doesn't always mean you have dementia. There can be many causes of memory loss. But it's always better to know.

Good advice can help you:

• Know what to do if you’re worried about your memory or dementia
• Talk to someone else about their memory problems
• Talk to a GP if you’re concerned about your memory loss symptoms
• Find support for yourself or someone else.

What causes memory loss and forgetfulness?

Several things can cause problems with your memory, including stress, anxiety and depression.

Becoming more forgetful does not mean that you have dementia. Some people can remember things better than others.

Many of the causes of memory problems can get better with the right support and treatment.

What are the signs of memory loss?

Memory problems vary from person to person. What you consider to be a problem depends partly on what you need or expect to be able to do.

Some very common memory problems include:

• forgetting people’s names
• struggling to remember day-to-day events or experiences
• misplacing items (such as keys or glasses) around the house
• getting lost in a familiar place or on a familiar journey
• finding it hard to start or follow conversations
• forgetting appointments or important dates (such as birthdays)
• struggling with the steps in a recipe.

Who can support with memory problems?

If you're worried that yours or someone else's symptoms may be dementia, then the first thing to do is to contact your GP surgery. 

Call the Alzheimer's Society support line on 0333 150 3456 and speak with their trained dementia advisers, or connect with people in similar situations through our online community.

They also have accessible resources, including information about dementia translated into a range of languages.

Services and people that can support you with memory problems

How can I improve my memory?

Looking after your health will help with your memory day-to-day and in the long run.

People remember things in different ways. This means some strategies will work better for some people. Read about different strategies you could try to help you cope with memory problems.