Occasionally forgetting a name or where you put your glasses, then remembering later, can be a normal part of aging. Memory changes that disrupt daily life, such as asking the same questions over and over, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble handling bills, are a reason to see a doctor. Some memory problems have treatable causes, and a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit includes a check for cognitive impairment.
Key takeaways
- Mild forgetfulness that you later recall, like a name or misplaced glasses, can be a normal part of aging.
- Repeated questions, getting lost in familiar places, confusion about time, people or places, and trouble with money are signs to discuss with a doctor.
- Memory problems can have treatable causes, including medicine side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, depression, sleep problems and infections.
- The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, available once every 12 months, includes a cognitive check.
- Sudden confusion with trouble speaking, face drooping or arm weakness may be a stroke: call 911.
What is normal forgetfulness?
Almost everyone has moments of forgetting. You walk into a room and cannot remember why. A familiar actor's name is on the tip of your tongue. You set your glasses down and spend a few minutes looking for them. According to the National Institute on Aging, mild forgetfulness like this can be a normal part of getting older.
The key feature of normal forgetfulness is that it does not get in the way of everyday life. You may need a little longer to recall something, or rely more on lists and calendars, but the memory usually comes back later and you continue to manage your home, money, appointments and relationships.
Being worried about your memory is understandable, and it does not mean something is wrong. But it is also never a bad idea to mention your concerns to a doctor, who can look at the bigger picture.
Signs that are worth discussing with a doctor
The National Institute on Aging lists certain memory and thinking changes that go beyond ordinary forgetfulness and are a reason to talk with a doctor:
- Asking the same questions over and over.
- Getting lost in places you know well.
- Having trouble following recipes or directions.
- Becoming confused about time, people and places.
- Not taking care of yourself, such as eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving in unsafe ways.
- Having trouble handling money or paying bills.
These signs do not by themselves mean a person has dementia. They mean something has changed and should be looked at properly. Family members and friends are often the first to notice, because the person experiencing the changes may not be aware of them.
Normal aging or a reason to check?
| Often part of normal aging | Reason to talk to a doctor |
|---|---|
| Sometimes forgetting a name, then remembering it later | Asking the same questions over and over |
| Misplacing glasses or keys now and then | Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood or store |
| Needing a moment to recall a word | Having trouble following a familiar recipe or directions |
| Using lists and calendars more than before | Becoming confused about the date, the season, or who people are |
| Occasionally missing a bill payment, then catching it | Ongoing trouble handling money or bills |
| Taking a little longer to learn something new | Not eating properly, not bathing, or unsafe behavior at home |
See which free Medicare preventive visits and screenings you may be due for, including the Annual Wellness Visit with its cognitive check.
Check your Medicare screeningsMemory problems that can be treated
One of the most important reasons to see a doctor is that not every memory problem is dementia. The National Institute on Aging notes that some memory problems are caused by issues that can be treated, including:
- Medicine side effects: Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can affect memory and thinking.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Low levels of this vitamin can affect the brain and nerves.
- Thyroid problems: An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect thinking and energy.
- Depression: Low mood can make it hard to concentrate and remember.
- Sleep problems: Poor or too little sleep can leave you foggy and forgetful. Our guide to sleep for older adults covers how much you need.
- Infections: Infections can sometimes cause confusion, particularly in older adults.
Not drinking enough can also leave a person confused, which is why dehydration in older adults is worth knowing about.
If you take several medicines, bring a complete list, including vitamins and supplements, to your appointment. Do not stop or change any medicine on your own; your doctor or pharmacist can review whether any of them might be affecting your memory. Our guide to managing multiple medications explains how to keep that list up to date.
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and its cognitive check
If you have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you can get an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. It is $0 if your provider accepts assignment. It is not a full physical exam; instead, it focuses on prevention and planning. Among other things, it includes:
- A health risk assessment and a review of your medical and family history.
- A review of your current medicines.
- Height, weight and blood pressure measurements.
- A check for cognitive impairment.
- A review of depression screening.
- A personalized prevention plan and screening schedule.
Worked example: when can you book it?
Suppose your Part B coverage started on June 1, 2025. You can get your one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit within your first 12 months, so before June 1, 2026. Once you have had Part B for more than 12 months, that is, after June 1, 2026, you can have your first Annual Wellness Visit. If that visit takes place on July 15, 2026, your next one can be scheduled once 12 months have passed, so on or after July 15, 2027.
The cognitive check is a good opportunity to raise memory concerns, even small ones. You can bring a family member, and it can help to write down specific examples beforehand, such as when the changes started and how they affect daily life. Learn more in our guide to the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
When to talk to your doctor
Make an appointment if you or someone close to you notices any of the signs listed above, if memory changes seem to be getting worse, or if they are starting to affect safety, such as leaving the stove on, getting lost while driving, or missing important medicines. You do not need to wait for your Annual Wellness Visit if you are worried.
Call 911 if confusion comes on suddenly, especially with face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, loss of balance or a change in vision. These can be signs of a stroke, and quick treatment matters. Note the time the symptoms started. Our guide to stroke and heart attack warning signs explains the BE FAST check.
Frequently asked questions
Is forgetting names a sign of dementia?
Not usually on its own. Sometimes forgetting a name and remembering it later can be a normal part of aging. It is more concerning when memory changes disrupt daily life, such as getting lost in familiar places or repeating the same questions.
Can memory loss be reversed?
Some memory problems have treatable causes, such as medicine side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, depression, sleep problems and infections. That is why it is important to see a doctor rather than assume the worst.
Does Medicare cover a memory test?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit includes a check for cognitive impairment. It is available once every 12 months after you have had Part B for more than 12 months, and is $0 if your provider accepts assignment.
What should I do if I am worried about a parent's memory?
Note specific examples of what you have noticed and when, and encourage your parent to see their doctor. Offering to go along to the appointment can help. If confusion appears suddenly, especially with other stroke signs, call 911.
Can medicines cause memory problems?
Yes, medicine side effects are one of the treatable causes of memory problems. Never stop a medicine on your own; ask your doctor or pharmacist to review everything you take.
Sources
This guide is general health information for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine without talking to them. In an emergency call 911. Spotted an error? Let us know.