Memory loss in older adults has many possible causes. Some forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, but changes that get in the way of daily life, such as getting lost in familiar places or asking the same question again and again, are a reason to see a doctor. Several causes can be treated, including medicine side effects, depression, low vitamin B12, sleep problems and infections, so finding the cause matters more than guessing.
Is it normal forgetfulness or a sign of something more?
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says taking longer to learn something new, misplacing things now and then or forgetting to pay a bill are usually signs of mild forgetfulness. Dementia, however, is not a normal part of aging. The Alzheimer’s Association pairs each of its 10 early warning signs with a typical age-related change. The comparison below draws on both.
| Usually part of aging | Worth a doctor’s visit |
|---|---|
| Making a bad decision once in a while | Poor judgment and decisions much of the time |
| Missing a monthly payment | Trouble managing monthly bills or a budget |
| Forgetting the day of the week and remembering it later | Losing track of the date, the season or where you are |
| Sometimes searching for the right word | Trouble following or joining a conversation |
| Losing things and retracing steps to find them | Misplacing things often and being unable to retrace steps |
NIA adds that repeated questions, getting lost in places once known well and not taking care of yourself are signs to talk with a doctor. Our guides to dementia versus Alzheimer’s and early detection go deeper.
What causes memory loss in older adults?
Memory problems do not always mean dementia. NIA says medical conditions and other factors can cause them, and the problems usually go away once the condition is successfully treated. Here is what official sources say about the causes families ask about most.
None of this can tell you which cause applies to one person. That takes a medical evaluation.
| Possible cause | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Medicine side effects | Listed by NIA; doctors review all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements (Alzheimer’s Association) |
| Depression | Trouble remembering and concentrating is a listed symptom (NIA) |
| Low vitamin B12 | Listed by NIA; MedlinePlus says long-term low B12 can cause problems concentrating and, in severe cases, confusion |
| Thyroid, kidney or liver problems | Listed by NIA; a doctor can order tests |
| Poor sleep, untreated sleep apnea | NIA says poor sleep quality can lead to memory problems; the Alzheimer’s Association lists untreated sleep apnea |
| Infections and dehydration | MedlinePlus lists urinary tract infections and dehydration among causes of delirium, a sudden confusion that is often temporary and treatable |
| Hearing loss | NIA says memory and concentration decline faster in older adults with hearing loss, and that they are sometimes mistakenly thought to be confused |
| Alcohol | NIA names alcohol or drug misuse and advises avoiding or limiting alcohol |
| Normal pressure hydrocephalus | NINDS describes a slow fluid buildup in the brain, most common in older adults, causing walking problems, bladder control problems and trouble thinking |
A caution: MedlinePlus says there is no evidence that B12 supplements prevent or treat dementia, and NIA warns that products promising a sharper memory can be unsafe or a waste of money. Ask the doctor first.
Can depression cause memory loss in older adults?
Yes. NIA lists “difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions” among the symptoms of depression in older adults, and NIMH says memory and thinking problems (called pseudodementia) may be prominent in severe cases. NIA says memory problems from conditions such as depression usually go away once the condition is treated.
Depression and dementia can also exist together. NIA says depression is common in people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and can be an early warning sign, which is why doctors may include a psychiatric evaluation in a memory workup.
Depression is not a normal part of aging, and it is treatable. NIA advises talking with a doctor if several symptoms last more than two weeks. If someone is thinking about harming themselves, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 in an emergency. See also loneliness and mental health in older New Yorkers.
What is the best prescription medicine for memory loss, and can medicines cause it?
There is no single best medicine, and the choice belongs to a doctor. NIA says the FDA has approved several prescription drugs for Alzheimer’s disease to help manage symptoms or treat the disease, and that most work best in the early or middle stages. They are for a diagnosed condition, not ordinary forgetfulness. NIA says to talk with your doctor before adding or changing any medication, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Some medicines can also cloud thinking, and our guide to medicines linked to dementia risk covers the research. Two that families ask about:
- Gabapentin. MedlinePlus says it may make you drowsy or dizzy and may slow your thinking, and lists memory problems among side effects to report if severe or persistent. The FDA-approved Neurontin label says antiepileptic drugs should not be stopped abruptly because seizures can increase.
- Statins. The FDA-approved Lipitor label says there have been rare reports of memory loss, forgetfulness and confusion with the use of all statins, generally nonserious and reversible after the statin was stopped. No single statin is singled out. MedlinePlus says statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol that can clog blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes.
Never stop or change a prescription because of something you read. If someone on any medicine seems more forgetful or confused, call the prescriber or pharmacist, say what changed and when, and let them decide. Our medication management guide explains how to keep a reliable list.
Could sudden confusion be an infection or dehydration?
It can. MedlinePlus says delirium starts suddenly, over hours or days, and its causes include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, dehydration and medicines. It is often temporary and treatable once the cause is found. It also says some people lose their sense of thirst as they age, and that confusion with dehydration symptoms means getting medical help right away.
A sudden change is not something to watch for weeks: call the doctor promptly, or 911 in an emergency. See delirium versus dementia.
What should you bring to the doctor’s visit?
The Alzheimer’s Association says the doctor will likely ask what symptoms you have noticed, when they began, how often they happen and whether they have gotten worse.
- A written timeline. When you first noticed a change, with specific examples and approximate dates, and whether it is steady or getting worse.
- Every medicine. The Alzheimer’s Association asks you to bring a list or the containers of all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Other health details. Doctors ask about diet, past medical problems and daily activities. Add alcohol use, recent illnesses, falls and changes in sleep or mood.
- Hearing aids and glasses.
- A second person. Medicare.gov says you can bring a spouse, friend or caregiver to help listen and answer questions.
What does a memory evaluation involve?
There is no single test. The Alzheimer’s Association says doctors combine medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests, and lab and imaging tests. NIA describes the usual parts.
| Part of the evaluation | What may happen |
|---|---|
| History | Questions to the person and a family member about health, medicines, diet, daily activities and changes in behavior |
| Memory and thinking tests | Tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language |
| Blood, urine and other tests | Standard tests that can help identify other possible causes |
| Mood check | A psychiatric evaluation to see whether depression is causing or adding to symptoms |
| Brain scans | CT, MRI or PET scans to support a diagnosis or rule out other causes |
| Specialist referral | A geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrist, neurologist, neuropsychologist or memory clinic |
NIA says people with memory problems should return to the doctor every six to 12 months. The Alzheimer’s Association warns that dementia tests sold directly to consumers have not been scientifically proven accurate.
Does Medicare cover a memory evaluation?
According to Medicare.gov, Part B covers a separate visit to review cognitive function, establish or confirm a diagnosis such as dementia and develop a care plan. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. The visit can include a medication review and information on community resources.
The yearly “Wellness” visit is covered once every 12 months, costs nothing if the provider accepts assignment, and includes a cognitive assessment. Medicare.gov says it is not a routine physical and that specific concerns belong in a separate appointment, so if memory worries you now, say so when you book.
What safety steps can you take at home?
NIA’s home safety tips are written for Alzheimer’s caregiving, but many apply while a memory problem is being sorted out:
- Check smoke and natural gas detectors often; NIA notes a person with Alzheimer’s may not smell smoke or an unlit gas stove.
- Consider an automatic shut-off switch on the stove, and lock up medicines and alcohol.
- Use nightlights, fix loose stair railings and list emergency numbers near phones.
NIA also suggests ID for anyone who may wander, and says new dents, scrapes or near misses are signs a person should stop driving. See our fall prevention guide for NYC apartments.
How can family help without arguing?
Raising the subject is often the hardest part. The Alzheimer’s Association acknowledges that people fear upsetting someone by sharing what they have noticed, and says these are significant health concerns that should be evaluated by a doctor. Offering to go along to the appointment is a practical way to help.
NIA’s do’s and don’ts for talking with a person who has Alzheimer’s apply well:
- Do make eye contact, use the person’s name, allow extra time to respond and ask yes or no questions such as “Would you like some tea?”
- Don’t interrupt or argue, talk about the person as if they are not there, speak in a tense tone, or ask whether they remember something.
If the person refuses to see a doctor, read what to do when a parent refuses help. Caregivers need support too; see the caregiver burnout guide.
Where can New Yorkers get help with memory concerns?
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900, free, with a live person every day of the year. Its New York City Chapter serves the five boroughs.
- NYC Aging: Aging Connect, 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469), or 311.
- NY Connects: 1-800-342-9871, free, unbiased information about long term services and supports in New York State.
For day-to-day help, see dementia care at home and adult day care.
Memory changes and home care: advice from our nurse director
Anna Klyauzova, RN, MSN, MPA, Director of Patient Services at ProLife Home Care, on what she sees in practice:
Families usually come to us once memory problems start getting in the way: Mom leaves the stove on, mixes up her pills or gets lost on a street she has known for years. Please don’t wait for something serious to happen. See a doctor at the first changes you can’t explain.
If your father walks slowly, forgets what the doctor said or gets lost in a big hospital, I would book an escort. Our Medical Escort service goes with the patient to the clinic, sits in on the appointment if the patient agrees, writes down the doctor’s instructions and brings the patient home. It is private pay.
And don’t argue and don’t keep correcting. If your mother asks the same question for the fifth time, she isn’t doing it on purpose. A calm voice, a familiar room and a routine she can predict usually work better than long explanations.
We are a licensed home care agency in Brooklyn and Queens, licence #2572L001, New York State Department of Health. We can talk through what help at home fits your situation. Call (718) 232-2777 or use our contact page.
Medical guidance changes. Everything above was checked on 15 October 2026 against nia.nih.gov, nimh.nih.gov, ninds.nih.gov, medlineplus.gov, DailyMed, medicare.gov, alz.org, nyc.gov and nyconnects.ny.gov. This page is general information, not medical advice. See the person’s doctor, and never stop or change a medicine without the prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
What causes memory loss in older adults?
Causes range from normal age-related forgetfulness to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. NIA also lists treatable causes: medication side effects, depression and anxiety, thyroid, kidney or liver problems, sleep problems, low vitamin B12, alcohol or drug misuse, and infections or tumors in the brain. A doctor needs to find out which applies.
Does depression cause memory loss?
It can. NIA lists trouble concentrating, remembering and making decisions as a symptom of depression in older adults, and NIMH says memory and thinking problems may be prominent in severe cases. NIA says memory problems from conditions like depression usually go away once the condition is treated, but depression can also exist alongside dementia, so a doctor should check.
What is the best prescription medicine for memory loss?
There is no single best one, and the choice is the doctor’s. NIA says the FDA has approved several prescription drugs for Alzheimer’s disease that help manage symptoms or treat the disease, and that most work best in the early or middle stages. They are not for normal forgetfulness. Do not start, stop or switch any medicine without the prescriber.
Does gabapentin cause memory loss?
MedlinePlus lists memory problems among gabapentin’s side effects to tell your doctor about if they are severe or do not go away, and says the drug may slow your thinking. Do not stop it on your own: the FDA-approved label says antiepileptic drugs should not be stopped abruptly because seizures can increase. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist.
Which statins cause memory loss?
The FDA-approved label for Lipitor says rare reports of memory loss, forgetfulness or confusion have been associated with the use of all statins, so no single statin is singled out. Reports were generally nonserious and reversible after discontinuation. Any decision about a statin belongs to the prescriber, who can weigh it against the reason it was prescribed.
When should an older adult see a doctor about memory?
NIA suggests talking with a doctor about repeated questions, getting lost in familiar places, trouble with recipes or directions, growing confusion about time, people and places, or not taking care of oneself. A sudden change over hours or days is more urgent and needs prompt medical attention.
Does Medicare cover a memory evaluation?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers a separate cognitive assessment and care planning visit, with 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible, and the yearly Wellness visit includes a cognitive assessment at no cost if the provider accepts assignment. Medicare.gov says to confirm costs with your provider.
