First of all, you are not alone.
We all become more forgetful as we age and many older people find it harder to learn new information quickly. However, if you have any worries about your memory, at any age, or have been feeling confused, anxious or low, you should see your GP. If someone close to you is experiencing these difficulties or acting out of character, encourage them to visit their GP and offer to accompany them if you think that would be helpful.
There are good reasons to see the doctor early, not least to rule out other conditions. It may be that the symptoms you are experiencing have a completely different cause and one that is treatable.
If what you are experiencing is the start of dementia, the sooner this is detected the better. Although dementia is not curable, treatments are usually more effective if started earlier. People living with dementia often say they have a better quality of life once they have had time to come to terms with the diagnosis and to make plans for this new, different phase of life ahead.
Find out about support for families affected by dementia in Wiltshire
Your guide to the differences between normal ageing and the start of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. What signs and symptoms to look for and when to seek help. Read more
Find out more about getting a dementia diagnosis in Wiltshire, how the process works and why it is better to know. Read more
Wiltshire's Dementia Roadmap provides online support and advice at every step of the way. Read more