“My loved one is forgetting. What Should I Do?”
Have you noticed that you, or someone you care about, is becoming more forgetful? It can be worrying — and understandably so. You may wonder if it’s simply normal aging, stress, or perhaps something more serious. These concerns are completely valid. Memory difficulties affect many families, and the earlier they are explored, the better the support and outcomes can be.
Not all forgetfulness is the same. Sometimes memory slips are caused by stress, tiredness, or even certain medications. In other cases, they may be related to medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or side effects of chronic illness. Sometimes, however, memory changes may point to conditions like dementia or other neurocognitive disorders. The important thing to remember is that only a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what’s happening. The symptom should not be ignored.
If you’ve noticed patterns such as forgetting conversations, frequently misplacing items, repeating questions, confusion about time or place, or changes in mood and personality, it may be time to seek professional help. For some individuals, these changes can come and go — seeming fine at times and quite forgetful at others. A psychiatrist can assess both the medical and psychological aspects of memory concerns. At Dr. Alleyne | Mind & Wellness, this includes reviewing general health, mood, stress levels, medications, and family history, because memory is influenced by both mind and body.
For friends and families, one of the most important things you can do is approach your loved one with patience, compassion, and understanding. Forgetfulness is not deliberate, nor is it a way of seeking attention. Avoid blaming or shaming them for forgetting. Instead, gently share your concern, perhaps by saying: “I’ve noticed you’ve been a little more forgetful lately. How about we check it out together, just to be safe?” Simple support strategies — like helping with reminders, reducing stress, and creating a structured daily routine — can make a big difference. At the same time, it’s important to allow your loved one as much independence as possible. Taking away all autonomy can worsen both mood and memory.
If you are worried about a loved one’s memory, don’t wait until things get worse. Early evaluation can uncover reversible causes, and in cases where dementia is present, it allows time for treatment, planning, and supportive care that can make life easier for everyone involved. At Dr. Alleyne | Mind & Wellness, I provide compassionate and confidential assessments for individuals with memory concerns and also support families with guidance and education.
