5 Early Signs of Memory Loss You Shouldn’t Ignore
Introduction
We all forget things from time to time — where we put our keys, why we walked into a room, or someone’s name we just met. But when forgetfulness becomes frequent or starts to interfere with daily life, it may signal something more than normal aging.
In my practice at Shreveport Direct Care, I see many patients from Shreveport and Bossier City who come in worried about their memory. Some fear they’re developing dementia, while others simply want reassurance. The good news is that many memory problems are reversible or preventable when caught early.
Let’s look at five early warning signs of concerning memory loss, what might be causing them, and how early evaluation can make a real difference.
1. Forgetting Recent Conversations or Events
It’s normal to occasionally forget details from a conversation. But if you find yourself repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting plans, or missing important events, it’s time to take a closer look.
This type of memory loss — difficulty remembering recent information — is often the first noticeable change in conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s disease.
According to a study in The Lancet, people who seek medical help for memory issues within the first year of symptoms are more likely to slow or even reverse progression through early treatment and lifestyle modification.¹
Sometimes, recent memory loss is due to stress, depression, thyroid disease, or medication side effects — all of which can improve with proper care. That’s why early evaluation matters.
2. Trouble Managing Finances or Daily Tasks
If balancing your checkbook or paying bills suddenly feels overwhelming, or if you start missing due dates despite reminders, this can be another early indicator of cognitive decline.
The same applies to daily activities like cooking familiar meals, following recipes, or operating household devices. People often describe this as “my brain just doesn’t process things like it used to.”
At Shreveport Direct Care, we assess how memory changes affect daily functioning, not just your recall of words or dates. Functional decline is often one of the strongest clues of early brain changes that deserve attention.
A 2021 review from Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that subtle changes in financial management often appear up to three years before a formal dementia diagnosis.²
3. Misplacing Items Frequently
Everyone loses their phone or car keys occasionally. The difference comes when it happens often — and you find them in strange places, like the refrigerator or laundry basket.
This type of misplacement happens when the brain struggles to encode where an object was placed. It’s not about forgetfulness in the moment; it’s about memory processing not storing properly.
However, frequent misplacement can also occur with stress, poor sleep, or multitasking overload, which are common among adults balancing careers and family life. In those cases, treating lifestyle factors can bring sharp improvement.
4. Trouble Finding Words or Following Conversations
Another early sign of cognitive change is word-finding difficulty — you know the word but can’t quite retrieve it. Conversations may feel frustrating because thoughts feel “stuck.”
Patients often describe it as “the word is on the tip of my tongue.” While this can happen occasionally with aging, increased frequency — especially when paired with pauses, repetition, or losing track mid-sentence — may indicate a change in brain language centers.
Medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, or medication side effects can also mimic this pattern. That’s why it’s important not to assume memory loss automatically means dementia.
At Shreveport Direct Care, our evaluations look for both reversible causes and early neurological patterns, using simple in-office tests and lab work when appropriate.
5. Withdrawing from Social or Mental Activities
When memory or processing issues begin, many people quietly start avoiding hobbies, social events, or family gatherings because they feel embarrassed or anxious about “not keeping up.”
This withdrawal can accelerate cognitive decline by reducing mental stimulation, which the brain needs to stay strong. Social interaction, learning, and even challenging conversation are proven to help preserve brain function.³
If you notice yourself or a loved one becoming less engaged or avoiding group activities, it’s worth having a conversation. Often, reassurance, treatment, or coaching can help restore confidence.
What Causes Memory Loss?
Memory changes can stem from a wide range of causes — many of them treatable. These include:
Sleep deprivation or untreated sleep apnea
Depression or anxiety
Thyroid disease or vitamin B12 deficiency
Medication side effects (anticholinergics, sedatives, pain medications)
Chronic stress or alcohol use
Neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s)
Our job is to sort through these possibilities carefully and compassionately. Identifying a reversible cause can give patients tremendous relief — and even in cases of progressive disease, early diagnosis allows for meaningful planning, treatment, and prevention of complications.
Prevention: Protecting Your Brain at Every Age
There is growing evidence that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes.⁴
At Shreveport Direct Care, we focus on brain health and longevity, not just disease detection. Here are some of the most powerful habits to protect your memory:
Stay Active: Regular aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes new neuron growth. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week.
Eat a Mediterranean-Style Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fats, vegetables, berries, and whole grains support brain health.
Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep consolidates memories and clears metabolic waste from the brain.
Manage Blood Pressure and Sugar: Vascular health is directly tied to brain health.
Stay Social and Mentally Engaged: Lifelong learning, volunteering, or hobbies keep neural connections strong.
How Shreveport Direct Care Can Help
We offer memory and longevity evaluations that go beyond basic screening. Our approach includes:
In-office cognitive tests that measure short- and long-term memory
Comprehensive review of medications, sleep, and mood
Labs for thyroid, B12, glucose, and hormone balance
Personalized plans for brain health and prevention
Unlimited visits and easy follow-ups through your membership
Because we operate under the Direct Primary Care model, patients receive unhurried, comprehensive visits — and the peace of mind that comes with having a doctor who knows them personally.
Many of our patients come in worried and leave reassured, armed with a plan for both prevention and improvement.
The Takeaway
Memory loss doesn’t always mean dementia, but it’s never something to ignore. Early detection allows us to find treatable causes and slow decline if it’s beginning.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above — forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulty finding words — take the first step toward answers. You don’t need to wait months for an evaluation or navigate a referral maze.
We make it simple, local, and personal — right here in Shreveport.
📞 Call (318) 588-7060 or visit www.shreveportdirectcare.com
Learn more about Memory and Longevity Care at Shreveport Direct Care →
References
Livingston G et al. Lancet. 2020;396(10248):413–446.
Cheng ST et al. Alzheimers Dement. 2021;17(3):543–552.
Fratiglioni L, Paillard-Borg S, Winblad B. Lancet Neurol. 2004;3(6):343–353.
Alzheimer’s Disease International. World Alzheimer Report 2022.