The feeling of being overloaded or having too much pressure in the short term can trigger a memory lapse, long term stress can have a negative impact on your wellbeing and prolonged stress can cause mood changes.

Improved management of stress can possibly improve memory.

Depression can cause poor motivation, negative and ruminating thought patterns, poor sleep, lack of interest and possible withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities. Memory, concentration and attention can all be a problem. Treating depression can possibly improve memory.

Some people have anxiety in certain situations, with specific triggers. Others have a more generalized anxiety that interferes with day to day functioning. Others may struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

All these anxiety conditions can impact on memory. Treating anxiety or OCD can possibly improve memory.

Sometimes memory lapses can be attributed to medications prescribed for physical health conditions for example certain types of pain relief or other substances.

 Drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs can impair your memory, both in the short term and long term.

A poor sleep pattern causes sleep deprivation and fatigue. Sleep Apnoea, is a condition where you stop breathing for a few seconds during sleep and unconsciously wake frequently during the night, this can cause chronic sleep deprivation and memory problems.

Concussions and traumatic head injuries can cause short-term memory impairment, but some research has found that they can also increase the likelihood for the development of dementia over the years.

Memory difficulties can have many causes and may be reversible once the underlying condition has been successfully treated. Prolonged memory difficulties may require a specialist memory assessment. People with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia might have problems with forgetfulness, retaining new information, getting lost in previously familiar places and may struggle with names and misplacing items. If you think your memory difficulties could be caused by Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia please have a chat with your GP in the first instance. This is important so your GP can discount any physical condition that may be causing your memory difficulty. Your GP will also be able to make a referral  to the memory clinic.