Some forgetfulness, like forgetting someone’s name or why you walked into a room, is a normal part of aging. But when it happens often or involves things like getting lost behind the wheel, it may be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI): an early stage of loss if memory or loss of thinking skills. It may lead to dementia, but it doesn’t always. Memory loss may be caused by another health condition, like a thyroid issue or sleep apnea.

If you’re concerned about memory loss, keep a record of your memory and thinking skills in a journal. Jot down any changes you notice and share them with your doctor. While there’s no clear recommendation for when to start screening for cognitive issues, try to see your doctor about every 6-12 months so they can keep an eye on changes. They may also have tips for improving your health and keeping problems at bay. 

If you’re concerned about cognitive impairment, look for red flags. Common ones include forgetting appointments or showing up on the wrong day or time, losing your train of thought often, having a hard time following simple instructions, and having trouble keeping up with conversations. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these.

Friends and family members are often the first to notice signs of cognitive decline. If you’re concerned about memory loss, whether it’s you or a loved one, try getting input from others. Ask trusted family members or friends if they’ve noticed changes, and if so, what they’ve seen. It may be helpful to share this information with your doctor.

When it’s time to talk to a loved one about their memory loss, find a time and place where they’re most comfortable. Talk to them one-to-one. Start with something like, “I’ve noticed a change in how you remember things. Do you notice it too?” or “You don’t seem like yourself lately.” Ask how they’ve been feeling and if they’re concerned. Give a specific example of what you’ve noticed. Offer to go see a doctor with them. 

If you’ve noticed changes in yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor. They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, family history of memory problems, and medications. They may recommend blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions. To decide if it’s best to see a cognitive specialist, they can do a 10-minute cognitive assessment with simple tests like a clock-drawing exercise. 

Your doctor may recommend seeing a behavioral neurologist or a neuropsychiatrist. This specialist will take a complete history and screen for cognitive changes. They may recommend neuropsychological testing, or a series of written and verbal tests that measure your language, learning ability, and memory. A specialist may also recommend a CT or MRI to rule out conditions like lesions or a stroke.

Keeping your brain sharp is key to staving off cognitive problems. Experts recommend trying any activity that you enjoy but that still challenges you. Crossword puzzles or sudoku are good options, as are reading or doing crafts. To bump up the benefit to your mental skills, make it a social activity: Join a book club for a deep dive into a good read, take part in a quilting circle, or gather friends for a friendly night of cards or board games. 

While there’s no treatment for cognitive impairment, there are things you can do that may prevent it from getting worse. Follow a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, which is high in whole grains, seafood, and nuts, or the DASH diet, which helps with high blood pressure. Exercise may help, too. Aim for 30 minutes, five times a week. This is extra important if you have a family history of dementia.

Your social network can help you stay healthy and feel good. Talk about your feelings with a friend, family member, or counselor. Join a support group for others with cognitive impairment. Write about your experiences and consider sharing it with someone you trust. Get involved in family events. Stay in touch with friends. It’s good for your brain – and your soul.