Important: This blog is for general education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re concerned about your memory or someone else’s, please speak to your GP or memory clinic for personalised guidance. 🩺

Forgetting things now and then is normal

Many people worry about their memory as they get older — and for good reason. We hear so much about dementia that even a small memory slip can feel frightening.

But not all forgetfulness means something serious. Typical memory lapses might include:

• Walking into a room and forgetting why.
• Struggling to remember someone’s name, then recalling it later.
• Losing your train of thought mid-sentence, especially when distracted.
• Forgetting an appointment but remembering after a prompt.

This kind of forgetfulness tends to stay stable and doesn’t stop you doing daily activities. It’s often linked to stress, fatigue, low mood, or simply normal ageing.

Signs it might be more than normal ageing

If memory problems begin affecting your daily life — or you notice repeated patterns that seem unusual — it’s worth checking in with a health professional. Red flags include:

• Getting lost in familiar places.
• Regularly forgetting important dates or recent conversations.
• Repeating questions within a short space of time.
• Difficulty following a familiar recipe or managing finances.
• Changes in personality, mood or behaviour that seem out of character.

If you’re unsure, you can keep a short diary of memory concerns — what happened, when, and how it affected your day — to bring to your GP.

What else can cause memory problems?

Not all memory issues are caused by dementia. Other treatable causes include:

• Stress, anxiety, or low mood (especially after bereavement or major life changes).
• Poor sleep or untreated sleep apnoea.
• Medication side effects.
• Thyroid problems or vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Hearing loss (which can make it harder to follow conversation).

Your GP may recommend blood tests, a memory assessment or hearing test to help rule these in or out.

How a memory clinic works

If your GP thinks further checks are needed, they may refer you to a memory assessment service. This might involve:

• Simple thinking and memory tasks (not a “test you can fail” but a way to understand how your brain is working).
• Talking through your daily routines, mood, medications and health history.
• Sometimes a scan of your brain to check for changes linked to different memory conditions.

Support doesn’t depend on diagnosis. Many memory clinics offer practical help for people with mild memory problems, long before any formal label is given.

Helping someone else with memory issues

If you’re worried about a partner, friend or parent, consider:

• Gently mentioning what you’ve noticed, using non-blaming language like “I’ve seen you seem a bit more forgetful lately – how are you feeling?”
• Offering to go with them to a GP appointment if they’re open to it.
• Looking after yourself emotionally – it can be hard supporting someone when you’re not sure what’s happening.

You can also contact memory charities like the Alzheimer’s Society for advice and emotional support.

How PHAT supports memory wellbeing

While PHAT can’t assess or diagnose memory problems, we support older adults to stay mentally and physically active, which is known to help protect brain health:

• Our Zoom exercise sessions use routines that gently challenge coordination, memory and focus — all while keeping things fun and pressure-free.
• Community support reduces isolation, which is linked to better cognitive outcomes.
• Simple routines can help structure the day and keep confidence up — even during memory dips.

If you're attending PHAT sessions and have memory worries, tell your GP. We’ll always support you to attend in whatever way works best for you. 🌱

Final reminder: Memory changes can be caused by many things — not just dementia. Getting checked early can offer clarity, reassurance, or support. If you’re worried, speak to your GP. 📋