A neurologist says persistent memory lapses, especially alongside changes in mood, sleep or concentration, may point to depression, anxiety or stress rather than ordinary distraction.
Forgetting the occasional appointment, name or errand is not unusual at any age, but persistent memory lapses in younger people can sometimes point to something more than simple distraction. Neurologist Maxim Pankov said occasional forgetfulness is part of normal memory function and can even help the brain filter out negative emotions.
The warning sign, Pankov said, is when forgetfulness becomes frequent and is accompanied by other changes linked to depression. Those can include a low mood, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, ongoing guilt, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and changes in sleep or appetite.
He also noted that anxiety disorders can affect memory. Symptoms may include excessive worry that is hard to control, a constant expectation that something bad will happen, irritability, disturbed sleep, muscle tension, sweating and a dry mouth. In practical terms, these conditions can make it harder to focus, process information and retain new details.
Harvard Health has similarly reported that stress, anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation can all contribute to memory lapses by interfering with concentration and the ability to store information. The broader message from clinicians is that while forgetfulness alone is often harmless, a noticeable change in memory that feels out of character, worsens over time or disrupts daily life should be assessed by a doctor.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
