When is forgetting normal? Psychiatrist points to early signs of cognitive decline

Occasional forgetfulness is a common human experience, particularly in today's high-stress, multitasking environments. Forgetting an important anniversary or leaving keys in the door lock might seem impossible initially but can happen to anyone. These lapses are often temporary, stemming from disruptions in brain function due to factors like burnout or sleep deprivation, and are typically reversible.

However, when forgetfulness and inattention become persistent, they can signal a more serious issue. Dr. Melina Iordache, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist at MindCare Constanța, explains that such episodes warrant attention and potentially a professional evaluation. She notes that temporary memory issues can also arise from alcohol intoxication, though the process may be reversible if alcohol consumption ceases in the early stages of dependence.

"Forgetting is a normal process for the brain," Dr. Iordache stated. "It can happen under stress or fatigue. But if you remember the appointment shortly after forgetting it, or if you find your keys after looking for them, you are within the normal range of functioning."

Dr. Iordache identifies several warning signs that differentiate normal forgetfulness from potential cognitive decline. These include consistently forgetting the exact date, day of the week, or season, finding keys in illogical places like the refrigerator, or repeating the same question multiple times within a single conversation. She advises concerned individuals to ask themselves how often they forget important events, misplace items, or neglect responsibilities like paying bills.

Subtle differences in memory and attention processes can distinguish between a brain that is simply overloaded and one experiencing a progressive, pathological decline. While conditions like Alzheimer's disease typically involve insidious cognitive decline, other forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal or vascular dementia, can manifest more abruptly or with fluctuating symptoms. Dr. Iordache emphasizes that understanding these nuances is key to early detection and intervention.

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Uitarea este un proces normal pentru creier. Se poate întâmpla și în condiții de stres sau de oboseală. Însă dacă îți amintești la scurt timp de programarea de care ai uitat sau dacă îți cauți cheile și le găsești, ești într-o zonă de funcționare normală. Uitarea devine semnal de alarmă când nu mai știi data exactă, ziua săptămânii sau anotimpul, când îți găsești cheile în frigider, când pui de mai multe ori aceeași întrebare în aceeași conversație.