2026-10-31 19:18:41Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Forgetting someone's name, not remembering a word, or confusing someone's name with that of a family member are situations that happen to almost everyone. Often, these moments make us worry and wonder if they could be the first signs of Alzheimer's or another disease that affects the brain.

According to neuropsychologist Catherine Thomas-Antérion and neurologist Pascal Chaine, in most cases these forgetfulnesses are common and do not indicate any serious problem. However, when they recur frequently and are accompanied by other difficulties, it is important to consult a doctor.

Not all forgetfulness is a sign of memory loss. Sometimes, the brain simply has temporary difficulty finding the information we need. We may not remember the name of an actor or a person we know, but after a few hours or the next day we can recall it without difficulty.

This is because attention and concentration directly affect memory. Lack of sleep, stress, constant worry, and alcohol or cannabis use can make it harder to concentrate and cause minor forgetfulness.

Age also plays a role. As we age, mental processes slow down and it takes us longer to remember names, words, or certain information. This can be a normal part of aging and does not necessarily mean we have a disease.

However, we need to be more careful when forgetfulness becomes frequent and begins to affect daily life. Constantly losing things, forgetting appointments, and difficulty remembering tasks we need to complete are some of the signs that should be evaluated.

Difficulty finding the right words, reduced vocabulary, inability to understand the meaning of words, confusion about time or place, and difficulty performing ordinary actions can also cause anxiety. Unusual changes in behavior should not be neglected either.

According to neurologist Pascal Chaine, it is not only the type of symptoms that matters, but also their frequency and severity. When forgetfulness recurs, worsens, or is accompanied by other problems, it is advisable to seek medical help.

The first step is to consult your family doctor, as memory problems are not always related to neurological diseases. They can also be caused by sleep apnea, thyroid problems, anemia, high stress, or excessive alcohol consumption.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend a visit to a memory specialist. The evaluation may include interviews with the patient, memory tests, and, in certain cases, MRI or other examinations.

One of the tests that can be used is the five-word test. The patient is asked to remember five words and repeat them after a time interval. This test helps in assessing memory functioning, but the results are interpreted by the specialist in accordance with the person's general condition.

Fear of Alzheimer's may be greater in people who have a relative diagnosed with the disease. However, the presence of one case in the family does not mean that the disease will necessarily appear in other members. Family history can affect risk, but it is not the only factor that determines the development of the disease.

To support brain health, experts advise staying mentally active and engaging in activities that we enjoy. Reading, learning new things, journaling, and participating in creative activities help exercise mental skills and enrich vocabulary.

Even video games, when used in moderation, can help exercise attention and reaction speed. Equally important are good sleep, stress management, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Meanwhile, when we suddenly forget someone's name in a group, there's no reason to feel embarrassed. We can change the subject of the conversation, mention a shared memory, or openly admit the forgetfulness, with a little humor. Often, honesty makes the situation easier.

After all, forgetting a word or a name from time to time is common and does not automatically mean that we have Alzheimer's. What matters more is if the forgetfulness becomes more frequent, worsens over time, and interferes with daily activities. In these cases, consulting a doctor is the best way to understand the cause and get the right help.


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