Severe Memory Problems: What's Happening?

A slip of the tongue here, a forgotten name there. These are minor occurrences that can happen to anyone at any stage in life. However, when the number of these minor incidences drastically accumulates, and their severity worsens, there may be need for concern.

Continue reading to learn more about severe memory problems, including how they differ from normal memory lapses, their causes, and when you should seek treatment.

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What is Severe Memory Loss?

Forgetfulness and occasional memory lapses from aging are normal and happen to everyone. Examples of such include forgetting which word to use, misplacing belongings from time to time, and missing a monthly payment.

However, severe memory loss drastically affects your daily life and impairs your ability to function properly. It is symptomatic of a health condition.

Symptoms of severe memory problems include forgetting common words when speaking, losing track of the date or time of year, getting lost while in a familiar area, making poor decisions often, and frequently misplacing possessions in inappropriate places.

What Causes Severe Memory Loss?

Severe memory loss can generally be attributed to ongoing medical conditions like thyroid, liver, or kidney disorders; blood clots; damage to the brain from tumors, injuries, or diseases such as Alzheimer's; and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, like vitamin B12, among others.

Until these medical conditions are resolved, the memory problems will continue, steadily worsening one's daily lifestyle.

On the other hand, serious memory problems taking place in a woman's body during the menopausal transition can be symptomatic of a hormonal imbalance. Nevertheless, they should be promptly evaluated by a doctor to rule out more serious causes.

However, keep in mind that once the hormonal imbalance is treated, any severe memory problems should be resolved as well.

If they continue despite menopause symptom treatment, speak with a doctor as they could be due to a more serious health condition.

Should I Be Concerned?

Yes, you should be concerned and seek treatment as soon as you suspect anything more than occasional memory lapses.

A doctor will run tests necessary to diagnose you for any medical condition that could be causing the severe memory loss, such as a thyroid panel to diagnose a thyroid disorder or blood test for a vitamin or mineral deficiency. 

For menopausal women, occasional bouts of forgetfulness may be less frequent once they get their hormones in check with natural and effective memory lapses treatments. They focus on a holistic approach involving lifestyle changes alongside alternative medicine to promote hormonal equilibrium. 

Key Takeaways

Don't confuse severe memory problems with occasional memory lapses, which can happen to anyone as a normal part of aging and are commonly seen among menopausal women. While severe memory loss is commonly caused by unresolved medical conditions or damage to the brain, memory lapses during menopause can often be attributed to hormonal imbalance. Either way, the sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated, the sooner you will have mental clarity once again.