What are the 2 causes of forgetfulness that a neurologist warns about, and how can you determine if your memory is healthy?

Can we determine if our forgetfulness is harmless or a symptom of impending brain problems?

Dr. Richard Restak has authored over 20 books on the brain, and in "The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind," he explores the difference between typical memory lapses and severe memory issues.

According to Restak, a clinical professor of neurology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, if you drive to a shopping center to get a particular item and go inside to buy it, but when you come out, you can't remember where you parked your car.

"That's nothing to fret over; complaints about it are common."

If you couldn't recall whether you arrived by car, bus, or someone dropped you off, that would be unusual. You would seek medical assistance for this condition.

Is my forgetfulness normal or should I be concerned?

In this book, Restak presents these indicators of normal memory lapses and potential causes for concern.

Normal memory lapses

• Remembering childhood moments differently than your siblings
• Taking the wrong exit on the way home
• Forgetting the names of people you've only met or seen a few times.
• Needing a shopping list for groceries
• Forgetting where you parked your car

Potential signs of serious memory concerns

• Not remembering what's already happened in the game while playing and forgetting how to play games you're proficient at.
• Uncertain about how you reached your destination (via car or bus, self-driving or driven by someone else)

Restak claims that many common memory lapses are not as rare as people believe. However, it is still important to exercise the memory muscle to improve it.

Each morning, Restak completes a memory challenge by writing down 10 words and reciting them from memory when he returns from walking his dog.

"Avoid boredom, stay challenged," he says.

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