Have you ever had trouble remembering a phone number someone just told you? Or seen a loved one who keeps forgetting what step they’re on in a project? These may be issues related to short-term memory loss. 

Data from the Associates of Neurology reports that up to 20% of people over the age of 65 suffer from short-term memory loss. Of those, up to 15% see their issues progress into dementia. 

While navigating short-term memory loss can be confusing and troubling, especially when caring for a loved one, the American Memory Loss Foundation is here every step of the way to provide guidance and expertise on questions that may arise. 

The following content will provide insight into what short-term memory loss is, and isn’t, and what to do when issues progress. 

How short-term memory differs from long-term memory

As a whole, memory is how our brain stores information that we can retrieve and use later. Memories are divided into three types: short-term, working, and long-term. 

Shorter-term memory is exactly what it sounds like, a place where information is stored temporarily and is usually only retained for about 30 seconds unless we repeat the information to ourselves. 

Working memory is similar to short-term memory, as it provides a temporary storage of small amounts of information. Where the two differ is we can manipulate the information in working memory to complete a task. This can include doing mental math or paraphrasing a sentence you just heard in your own words. 

Long-term memory is our most permanent memory, letting us hold on to information for years or even decades. Long-term memory falls into three types: procedural, semantic, and episodic. 

When used together, these three types of memory are the basis of human cognition. They allow us to learn new skills, retain knowledge, and connect, creating a picture of the world and how we experience it. 

What causes short-term memory issues

The human brain is made up of dozens of different areas that are responsible for various abilities, such as seeing, thinking and, of course, memory. 

A neurologist may know which areas of your brain are associated with each new skill, so they can look for patterns in your symptoms, scans, and other test results as different cognitive disorders each show themselves in their own unique way. 

Many of the cognitive issues surrounding memory loss are grouped under “dementia.” According to the Mayo Clinic, these include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, L.A.T.E (limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy), lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia, which is when someone has two more of these types of dementia. 

Other diseases that can impact the brain include: 

Huntington Disease: A genetic disorder that causes certain brain and spinal cord cells to waste away. This most impacts people in their 30s and 40s and early symptoms include a decline in thinking skills. 

Traumatic brain injury: This is caused by trauma, sometimes not appearing until years after the injury. Symptoms include depression, explosive outbursts, memory loss, and impaired speech. Slow movement, tremor, and stiffness are also associated with traumatic brain injury. 

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: This is a rare brain disorder that may be caused by infectious proteins called prions. It can be passed down from a parent or caused by exposure to diseased brain or nervous system tissue.

In addition to common cognitive or dementia-related issues, short-term memory can also be impacted by infections, certain immune disorders, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects and even brain tumors or fluid build up in the brain. 

Is short-term memory loss a sign of dementia?

While the term “dementia” covers a wide array of memory-loss issues, those experiencing short-term memory loss and caring for those with memory issues should be aware of the future impacts and progression. 

The Mayo Clinic reports that while most dementia-related issues begin gradually, they worsen over time and can affect a person’s ability to work, their social interactions, and even their relationships. 

The clinic adds that memory loss that disrupts your life is one of the first, and more recognizable symptoms, of dementia. 

Those suffering from memory loss may see a notable decline in at least one area of thinking skills, such as memory, and the decline is greater than the changing of aging. 

Mayo Clinic states researchers and healthcare professionals are still learning about mild cognitive impairments, and for many, it eventually worsens to dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Consulting a doctor for next steps

Now that we’ve discussed what to look for in regards to short-term memory loss, it’s time we discuss when you need to visit a doctor for a more thorough examination. 

This step is usually the most upsetting, as the thought of losing one sense of self is something many do not want to confront. The possibility of losing our memory and self may be so unsettling that many ignore symptoms and hope they go away. 

In fact, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation found that 55% of people with dementia (which is 95% of people with serious memory and thinking problems) had never been evaluated or talked to a doctor about their symptoms.

Unfortunately, memory problems do not go away on their own, but some disorders that cause memory loss are treatable, especially if caught early.

It is best to consult a doctor about short-term memory issues for yourself or someone you love. The best place to start is your primary care physician. You’ve probably known them for a while and, to a certain extent, they know you.

The best way to prepare for a doctor’s visit is to download the American Memory Loss Foundation’s free memory loss roadmap. It includes space for your observations, symptoms, and to write down any notes you would like to address with the doctor. 

It is also advised to have someone accompany you to the doctor’s visit, as this can make the appointment easier. By doing so, this person can share their own observations and may even notice issues better than the person experiencing the issues. 

Also, having an extra set of ears is important to take notes and listen to what the doctor has to say. 

Your doctor may ask some follow-up questions as part of a quick cognitive test to help them assess basic mental capabilities during that visit. 

If needed, they may order additional blood tests to gain a better understanding of what’s going on with your body. The doctor may also refer you to a neurologist, who specialties in how the brain works and various conditions that may be impacting your memory. 

Short-Term Memory Loss Frequently Asked Questions 

Is short-term memory loss different from long-term memory loss?

Yes. Short-term memory addresses information stored temporarily and is usually retained for about 30 seconds. Long-term memory is stored for years and even decades. 

Can short-term memory loss progress into dementia?

Yes. Cognitive issues, such as short-term memory loss, begin gradually but can progress over time and become more severe. Fifteen percent of those who experience short-term memory loss are diagnosed with some form of dementia down the line. 

How should I prepare to discuss short-term memory loss with a doctor?

Download the free memory loss roadmap that can help you organize your thoughts, questions, and provide a place to write down any symptoms or observations to discuss with your doctor.