Memory problems: when should you get your memory tested?

Everyone forgets things. Misplacing keys or blanking on a name happens at every age. So how do you know when it is time to get your memory tested, and when it is just a busy life or getting older?

This guide explains the difference between everyday forgetting and changes worth checking, the many treatable causes of memory problems, and what happens when you see a professional. Getting checked does not mean assuming the worst. Often it brings reassurance or a clear plan.

Normal forgetting or something more?

healthdirect explains that some changes in memory can happen as part of normal ageing, and that these small changes should not interfere with everyday life. It also notes that major changes in memory are not normal at any age.

The table below gives a general idea of the difference. It is a guide only, and everyone is different. What matters most is change from your own usual level, and whether that change is affecting your daily life.

Signs it may be time to get your memory tested

Consider talking to a professional if:

• memory or thinking changes are affecting work, study, driving, money or home life
• the changes are getting worse over months
• family, friends or colleagues have noticed and mentioned it
• you have had a head injury, stroke, serious illness, surgery or cancer treatment and your thinking has not returned to normal
• you are finding it harder to plan, organise, make decisions or follow instructions
• there have been changes in personality, mood or behaviour alongside memory problems
• you are worried, and the worry itself is affecting your wellbeing

healthdirect advises seeing your doctor if memory problems are affecting daily life, and getting checked as soon as you notice a problem.

When it is urgent

Confusion that comes on suddenly, over hours or days, is different. healthdirect notes that delirium usually starts suddenly. Sudden confusion can be caused by infection, medicines, dehydration, stroke or other medical problems. Seek medical help straight away, and call 000 in an emergency.

Common causes that are not dementia

Memory problems have many possible causes. healthdirect lists depression, stress, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, medicine side effects, alcohol use and some infections among them. Other common contributors include:

• poor sleep, including sleep apnoea and insomnia
• chronic pain and fatigue
• hormone changes, such as during menopause
• low levels of some vitamins, which blood tests can check
• hearing or vision loss, which make it harder to take information in
• ADHD, which can cause lifelong difficulty with attention and working memory

Treating the underlying condition may help improve memory. That is one reason it is worth getting checked rather than waiting.

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Some people have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), where memory or thinking has changed more than expected for their age but they can still manage daily life. Dementia Australia notes that people with MCI are more likely to develop dementia, but a substantial proportion stay stable or even improve.

Dementia is common. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates there were 439,000 Australians living with dementia in 2025. It is not only a condition of older age, as younger onset dementia can begin before 65.

What getting your memory tested involves

Before you see your GP

A little preparation makes the appointment more useful. Try to:

• write down specific examples of what you have noticed, and when it started
• note whether things are stable, getting worse, or come and go
• bring a list of all your medicines, including supplements and over-the-counter products
• ask a family member or friend to come, or to write down what they have noticed
• book a longer appointment if you can, so there is time to talk it through

Step 1: Your GP

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and health, review your medicines, and may do a short screening test of memory and thinking. They may arrange blood and urine tests and a brain scan, such as a CT or MRI, to look for treatable causes.

Step 2: Specialist review

Depending on the findings, your GP may refer you to a geriatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or memory clinic.

Step 3: Neuropsychological assessment

Brief screening tests are quick and useful for flagging a concern, but they are not designed to describe memory in detail and may miss subtle changes. A neuropsychological assessment takes longer and measures memory, attention, language, speed of thinking, visual skills and planning in detail. It compares your results with people of a similar age and background, and considers mood, sleep and health.

The results can help:

• show whether changes are within the expected range for your age
• identify patterns that point towards particular causes
• set a baseline, so any future change can be measured
• guide practical strategies and supports
• inform planning, such as work, driving and legal arrangements

Why checking early is worthwhile

People sometimes delay because they fear what they might hear. Checking early has real benefits, whatever the outcome:

• Treatable causes can be found and treated.
• Reassurance. Many people learn their memory is within the normal range, which can ease worry.
• Brain health. Dementia Australia reports that the 2024 Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors, including hearing loss, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, depression and social isolation, and estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed.
• A baseline. Even when results are in the normal range, they give you a point of comparison if your memory changes later.
• Time to plan. If a condition such as dementia is found, early diagnosis gives you time to make your own decisions about the future.

For free information and support, you can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

How Invictus Health can help

Our neuropsychologists offer neuropsychology assessments for people with memory or thinking concerns. If you would like a baseline while things are going well, we also offer memory and IQ assessments. Where planning ahead is a concern, we provide decision-making capacity assessments.

You can book most assessments without a GP referral, although sharing results with your GP is encouraged. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified health professional about your situation.