This may manifest in an increased need to write things down, rely on electronic devices to keep track of things, or have others remind you of important events and dates. Your family and friends may call attention to these issues if you don’t notice them yourself. [2] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source
This may manifest as difficulty with paying your monthly bills, trouble playing a favorite game, or difficulty following recipes. [3] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source
This can cause problems with your boss and coworkers or cause tension with your family. [4] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source
Doing this every so often is common, but if it becomes a continual problem, it may point to some sort of memory problem. [5] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source
Keep a list of how frequently you forget things so you can evaluate it over time. Write down each time that you forget something that you typically should remember. [6] X Research source
You’re starting new medication Only you are worried about occasional slip-ups, but your family hasn’t noticed a change in your memory You’re constantly anxious or stressed You have low sugar levels You’re constantly stimulated and/or distracted
You may not even notice the change in your mood. Other people may point out your change in mood or how you are acting towards others.
This can include making detailed lists of things you need to do, avoiding calling people because you have a hard time remembering what was said, or eating out more because it is harder to follow or remember recipes.
Telling stories over and over again Asking the same questions multiple times Relying on them to remember things for your schedule
This may be subtle or progress over time.
This can be small or large decisions, ranging from choosing what to wear in the morning to making a change in your job.
Memorize a tray of 10 to 20 items for one minute then write down as many of the items as you can remember. Look over a collection of items, have a friend remove an object or two while you aren’t looking, then determine what is missing. Learn flashcards with certain words or phrases and then try to remember them without looking. [7] X Research source
You can also take tests specifically to evaluate either part of your memory. Be careful of the tests you trust online. There are many tests online that are not appropriate or backed up by any medical expertise. Instead, look for tests given out by hospitals, universities, or other respected organizations. [9] X Research source For example, you can take the SAGE test given by Ohio State University, which combines simple questions, spatial reasoning, and other baseline questions to determine the current state of your memory. Once you take it, you can take it to your doctor for help with interpreting how to read your results. [10] X Research source If the test shows that you mainly have short-term memory problems, focus on attention training exercises or decreasing daily distractions, decreasing stress, and improving your diet. [11] X Research source Long-term memory improvement focuses on brain deficiencies and treating diseases. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Computer games or software Brain teaser games Cognitive behavior therapy aimed at memory
You can use a memory test and take it a month or two apart, then compare the results. If the your results vary greatly, you may have a memory problem.
Make sure you make note of the types of changes your memory has undergone and how it has impacted your life. This includes keeping track of how often your memory fails, how much it has impacted your life, and any other changes you’ve noticed in your health. [13] X Trustworthy Source Alzheimer’s Association Nonprofit organizaton focused on supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and promoting research on the disease Go to source
