Memory loss can be caused by a number of factors, from short term causes such as low blood sugar or medication side effects to long term health issues such as dementia.

Treatment for long term memory loss will depend on what is causing it.

Evidence from research suggests that good control of diabetes can help prevent memory problems developing over the longer term.

Memory loss tends to become more prevalent as we get older The NHS notes that around four in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties.

The NHS notes that around 4 in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties.

How can diabetes affect memory loss?

Memory loss in diabetes can be a short term problem brought on by too low or high blood glucose levels.

During hypoglycemia , for example, you may struggle to remember words. This is not necessarily a sign of a long term problem. In most cases, raising sugar levels over 4 mmol/l should get your memory back to normal.

If memory problems happen at other times and this significantly affects your life, speak to your GP.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing long-term memory problems if blood glucose levels are less well controlled. High blood glucose levels , over a number of years, can damage the nerves, including those of the brain, which can increase the risk of dementia

Research shows that good diabetes management can help prevent memory problems from developing or advancing.

Symptoms of memory loss

Symptoms of memory loss could include:

Not being able to recall an important event in your life
Forgetting what you have just done
Forgetting where things in your home are
Forgetting the names of people close to you

Some of these can happen to all of us from time to time, but if they start to occur more often than normal and cause you problems, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Causes of memory problems

Memory loss may caused or exacerbated by any of the following:

Alzheimer’s disease
Depression
Stress
Head injuries or concussion
Stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke)
Underactive thyroid
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency
Traumatic events causing psychogenic amnesia
Usage of certain medications – such as sedatives, statins or medicines for Parkinson’s disease
Alcohol misuse
High blood glucose levels over a long period of time
Hypoglycemia – which should resolve once treated

Find out more about Causes of Memory Loss

Treating memory loss

Treatment for memory loss depends on the underlying cause. A number of treatments exist for Alzheimer’s, depression, stress and other causes of memory loss. Treatment may range from medication, through to lifestyle changes and talking or mindfulness therapies.

Coping with memory loss

If you are struggling to remember things on a daily basis, there are some practical tips that can help.

These include:

Have a notepad and pen to hand to take notes of useful information – this can be very beneficial for telephone conversations
Make to-do lists of tasks
Keep an updated calendar
Keep regularly used items in one designated place, such as blood glucose testing kit, glasses and keys
Set alarms to remind you to take tablets, injections or blood test

Preventing memory loss

Good diabetes management is recommended to help prevent memory problems as well as to help your health in general. Following a healthy diet , taking regular exercise and managing stress can all be helpful for the body and the mind.