According to the Food and Drug Administration, everyone has mild memory lapses from time to time and memory lapses occur as signs of a normal brain that's constantly prioritizing, sorting, storing and retrieving all types of information. When memory lapses prevent the performance of daily tasks, it becomes a health concern that requires evaluation by a health care professional to determine the underlying cause, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
Aging
According to FamilyDoctor.org, the brain begins to age in people starting in their 20s. The brain cells aren't made as often as people age. Most changes in memory and cognition, or the process of acquiring knowledge, occur as a normal part of aging, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. Memory problems associated with aging include simple forgetfulness and a delay or slowing in recalling names, dates, and events. Depression commonly occurs with aging and depression causes a lack of attention and focus. These factors can cause memory problems as well, explains the Food and Drug Administration.
Medications
Certain types of medication cause memory problems. The Food and Drug Administration gives a description of these types of medication and they include over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills; over-the-counter antihistamines; anti-anxiety medications; antidepressants; medications used to treat schizophrenia; and pain medication, particularly ones used after surgery.
Lifestyle Habits
People who consume a heavy amount of alcohol experience memory problems, reports the Food and Drug Administration. Excessive alcohol use can cause deficiencies in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, which can harm memory. Alcohol and illicit drugs can change chemicals in the brain that affect memory.
Dementia
Memory problems occur in people who have dementia. Dementia refers to a loss of intellectual functions severe enough to interfere with everyday social or occupational functioning, reports the Cleveland Clinic. People with dementia experience an impairment in memory, language and cognition so severe that self-care tasks require assistance from another person.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease involves a progressive loss of brain cells accompanied by other abnormalities of the brain, states the Food and Drug Administration. Alzheimer's disease causes a progressive deterioration in the brain and the deterioration destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Memory problems become so severe in people who have Alzheimer's disease that they experience disorientation, general confusion and an inability to recall recent events.
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