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Memory Loss

Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI

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Try one of these related symptoms.

I forget things easily

Problems remembering things

Always forget something

Keep forgetting things

Forget things quickly

Tend to forget words when I am talking

Forgetful

Memory lapse

About the Symptom

Forgetfulness is described as a memory lapse or inability to retrieve stored information in the brain that is unexpected or unusual.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

Poor memory

Possible Causes

Generally, Memory loss can be related to:

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also known as mild or "pre-dementia" in which patients experience forgetfulness or other cognitive problems (such as issues with language or thinking) that do not prevent them from daily functioning. A small proportion of patients have MCI due to depression, medication side effects, sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea, low vitamin B12 levels or low thyroid function. Some controllable risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, as well as lack of mental stimulation. Patients with MCI have a high risk for developing dementia, which occurs in about 14% of cases.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The brain shrinks, affecting memory and behavior. Symptoms worsen over time and can interfere with daily life. Increasing age raises the risk for Alzheimer dementia.
Transient Global Amnesia
Transient global amnesia is the sudden, inability to form new memories that resolves within 24 hours, in the absence of a more common cause such as a stroke or seizure. During an episode, short-term memory is primarily affected. The cause is unknown, but triggers may include exposure to rapid changes in temperature, strenuous physical activity, sexual intercourse, breath-holding, or emotional distress.
Progressive Subcortical Vascular Encephalopathy
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)
Hydrocephalus
Frontotemporal Dementia
Depression

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Memory loss may be related to these serious diseases:

Chronic Subdural Hematoma
This refers to blood collecting in the space between the brain and the brain's outer covering (dura). It can be caused by even minor injuries or bumps to the head, particularly in those who are at increased risk. Older adults and those on certain blood-thinning medications or with bleeding disorders are at higher risk. Some people will have no or few symptoms but can develop more symptoms (confusion, headaches, personality changes) if it expands.
Wernicke Encephalopathy

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

Have you been experiencing memory problems recently?
When did you first notice your poor memory?
How is your poor memory now?
How severe is your poor memory?
Have you noticed or been told that you repeat the same questions over and over?

Reviewed By:

Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)

Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

From our team of 50+ doctors

Content updated on Feb 6, 2025

Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy

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How Ubie Can Help You

With a free 3-min Memory Loss quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.

This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:

Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.

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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

Tend to forget words when i am talking (forgetful)
Asks the same question over and over again
Repeatedly asks the same question
I can't remember things
Keeps asking the same question
Cannot remember answers
Forgets the answer

User Testimonials for Memory loss

Female, 10s

Ubie helped me obtain the right care I needed by its very detailed description of my symptoms and the possible conditions I could have. I was able to understand my symptoms before seeing a professional. The doctor is going to ask you for your symptoms, and I would've had a hard time describing them without Ubie. I had various symptoms such as forgetfulness, suicidal ideation, mania preceding a depressive episode, no motivation, feelings of grief, low self esteem, decreased energy levels, history of self harm, among others. I originally went to my doctor and she referred me to the psychiatrist. Ultimately, Ubie helped me find out what I don't know about myself, and that way I could get the help that I needed.

(Feb 25, 2025)

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FAQs

Can Depression Cause Memory Loss?

Depression can affect how well a person remembers things, causing memory problems in some people.

References:

Schweizer S, Kievit RA, Emery T; Cam-CAN; Henson RN. Symptoms of depression in a large healthy population cohort are related to subjective memory complaints and memory performance in negative contexts. Psychol Med. 2018 Jan;48(1):104-114. doi: 10.1017/S0033291717001519. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28625188; PMCID: PMC5729845.

Morimoto SS, Kanellopoulos D, Alexopoulos GS. Cognitive Impairment in Depressed Older Adults: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment. Psychiatr Ann. 2014 Mar 1;44(3):138-142. doi: 10.3928/00485713-20140306-05. PMID: 25821256; PMCID: PMC4376269.

James TA, Weiss-Cowie S, Hopton Z, Verhaeghen P, Dotson VM, Duarte A. Depression and episodic memory across the adult lifespan: A meta-analytic review. Psychol Bull. 2021 Nov;147(11):1184-1214. doi: 10.1037/bul0000344. PMID: 35238585; PMCID: PMC9464351.