Forgetfulness: When Is It Normal and When Do You Need to Get Help?

While everyone has exhibited forgetfulness at some point, several everyday events can make several people wonder if their memory lapses are still normal or if they are significant signs of cognitive decline or dementia.

Science Alert notes that it may be the first instinct of many to think that it's because of brain deterioration. The reality is that, like other parts of the body, neurons also shrink with age. These cells also keep fewer links with fellow neurons and smaller amounts of chemicals needed to transmit messages across the neural link.

However, not every memory lapse can be attributed to age-affiliated neural alterations. At times, it can be due to factors such as feeling distracted, anxious, or tired.

When Forgetfulness is Still Normal

Humans' memory system is designed so that a certain extent of forgetfulness is still within the threshold of normal. Such is not a flaw in the system but a unique feature. Having to maintain memories does not only drain the body's metabolism for having to deal with too much insignificant information can hamper the retrieval of particular memories.

The downside is that people cannot always consciously choose what to remember. The brain primarily decides this. According to Science Alert, generally, the brain opts for social data (such as trendy gossip) but easily takes abstract information (such as numerical datasets) for granted.

Lapses in memory, however, become a problem when it starts affecting regular daily functioning. However, to simmer things down, forgetting things, such as taking a left turn, is not a big issue. Harvard University also notes that transience (forgetting events of facts over time), blocking (knowing the answer but being unable to bring it up), absentmindedness (forgetting due to lack of attention), misattribution (remembering a part accurately but misattributing other parts), suggestibility (the memory's vulnerability to suggestion), bias (memory filtered by personal preferences), and persistence (remembering things one would rather not) are all normal.

However, these are not normal if one forgets the reason for driving, the supposed destination, or even the way to drive. Such instances signify that there is something to look deeper into.

Signs of Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment is what bridges memory lapses that are due to age, and that appear more concerning. The impairment level may stay stable, become better, or become worse.

However, Alzheimer's Association reports that annually, around 10% to 15% of individuals exhibiting mild cognitive impairment will get dementia.

For those with mild cognitive impairment, performing typical and usual activities becomes harder. Other concerns, such as decision-making, thinking, and language, may surface over memory loss.

Impaired Navigation Can be an Early Marker for Alzheimer's

Science Alert notes that navigation impairment has been perceived as an Alzheimer's early marker. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed how Alzheimer's first affects brain areas in charge of managing space memories.

Hence, observed frequencies of events getting lost may signify more serious and widespread future concerns.

Seek Help When Impairments Are More Consistent and Marked

Though it is normal to experience memory lapses, it is wise to get a professional assistant when such impairments occur because more clear consistently.

Even if Alzheimer's still does not have a cure, detecting the disease early can help plan for the future and better handling of the disease.

Check out more news and information on the Brain in Science Times.