Age is a common cause of memory decline, as the brain can shrink over time and the ability to remember and process information slows. However, memory is not solely affected by old age.

Many other factors can also lead to more frequent forgetfulness. Occasional forgetfulness is usually not concerning, but if it occurs continuously and impacts daily life, it may signal a health issue that needs attention.

Lack of sleep

According to Prevention, sleep plays a crucial role in memory formation and storage. When sleep is insufficient, lost, or of poor quality, the brain struggles to process and retain new information, making it easy to forget recent events or have difficulty concentrating.

Prolonged lack of sleep also reduces attention span, reflexes, and work performance. Many people observe significant improvement in forgetfulness after maintaining 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Stress and anxiety

According to Medical News Today, stress is one of the most common causes of temporary memory impairment. When the body is under continuous pressure, elevated cortisol hormone levels can affect brain regions responsible for learning and memory.

Anxiety also overwhelms the brain with negative thoughts, reducing its ability to acquire and store new information. This causes many individuals to frequently forget appointments, misplace objects, or struggle to focus at work.

Brain fog

Brain fog is a collection of symptoms such as reduced concentration, slow thinking, difficulty recalling information, and a feeling of mental fogginess, according to Healthline.

Brain fog can make you forget what you just intended to do. Image created by AI.

Individuals with brain fog might reread a passage without remembering its content, suddenly forget their initial goal while working, or struggle to find words to express their thoughts. This condition can be linked to lack of sleep, prolonged stress, hormonal changes, an unhealthy diet, or certain underlying medical conditions.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

This vitamin plays a vital role in nervous system function and cognitive activity. A deficiency can lead to symptoms such as forgetfulness, reduced concentration, fatigue, and a feeling of disorientation.

Older adults, strict vegetarians, or those with medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Medication side effects

Some medications for allergies, insomnia, anxiety, depression, or pain relief can affect memory. If forgetfulness appears after starting a new medication, patients should consult a doctor for assessment and appropriate adjustment. Experts advise against stopping medication independently, as it may impact treatment effectiveness.

Bao Bao (Compiled)