General Practice, by video or in person
Memory Loss and Dementia in Older People
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Memory Loss and Dementia in Older People
- Forgetting recent events, conversations or appointments, while older memories stay clear
- Asking the same question again and again
- Getting lost or confused in familiar places
- Difficulty finding words, following a conversation, or handling money
- Changes in mood or personality, such as suspicion, withdrawal or irritability
Dementia is a group of conditions in which memory, thinking and the ability to manage daily life get steadily worse. It is not a normal part of ageing, although it becomes more common after 65. The commonest kind is Alzheimer's disease. Vascular dementia, from damage to the blood vessels of the brain, can follow strokes and is linked to high blood pressure and diabetes. Early signs include forgetting recent events or conversations, repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places, struggling to find words or handle money, and changes in mood or personality, which sometimes come before memory problems. Dementia is often taken for old age, and the World Health Organization notes that stigma keeps many families from seeking help; neither is a reason to wait. Some causes of memory problems can be treated, such as an underactive thyroid, low vitamin B12, depression, hearing loss and the side effects of medicines, so a proper assessment matters. Confusion that comes on over hours or days is different: it is usually delirium, from an infection, low blood sugar, a stroke or a medicine, and it is an emergency.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Forgetting recent events, conversations or appointments, while older memories stay clear
- Asking the same question again and again
- Getting lost or confused in familiar places
- Difficulty finding words, following a conversation, or handling money
- Changes in mood or personality, such as suspicion, withdrawal or irritability
- Needing more help with cooking, washing, dressing or medicines
- Confusion that comes on suddenly over hours or days, which is an emergency
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if an older person becomes confused suddenly, over hours or a day or two, or is much more confused than usual, especially with a fever, burning urine, drowsiness, a fall, or weakness of the face, arm or leg or slurred speech. This can be delirium from an infection, low blood sugar or a stroke, and it is an emergency. Take the list of their medicines with you. See a doctor if memory problems are getting worse over months, are affecting daily life, or are worrying the family. A doctor can take the history by video with your parent, with you on the call if they want you there, review their medicines and order the blood tests that look for treatable causes. Memory tests and an examination may need an in-person visit or a specialist.
Treatment options
- A history from the person and from someone who knows them well
- Blood tests for treatable causes, such as thyroid function, vitamin B12, blood sugar and kidney function
- A review of medicines that can add to confusion, such as some sleeping tablets, bladder medicines and strong painkillers
- Checks for hearing and eyesight problems, and for depression
- Memory tests, and referral to a specialist for the diagnosis
- Control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, especially in vascular dementia
- Medicines that help some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in some people, started by a specialist
- Support and planning for the family: routines, safety at home, and help and breaks for the carer
Common Questions
Is memory loss in old age normal?
Some slowing is normal, such as taking longer to recall a name. Forgetting recent events, getting lost in familiar places or struggling with everyday tasks is not a normal part of ageing and deserves an assessment. The World Health Organization is clear that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing.
Can dementia be cured?
There is no cure for dementia, but some causes of memory loss can be treated, such as an underactive thyroid, low vitamin B12, depression or the side effects of medicines. For dementia itself, medicines help some symptoms in some people, and support, activity and routine improve life for the person and the family.
My mother suddenly became confused. Is it dementia?
Usually not. Confusion that comes on over hours or days is more often delirium, from an infection such as a urine infection, low blood sugar, a stroke or a medicine. Take her to a hospital now, with her medicines.
I live abroad. How can I arrange an assessment for my parent in Nigeria?
Book your parent a GP video consult on Mezo, and join the call if they want you there. The GP takes the history, reviews their medicines, orders blood tests, collected at home in Lagos or done at a partner lab elsewhere, and tells you whether a specialist or an in-person examination is needed. In Lagos, a doctor can also visit them at home.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call with your parent, with you or another relative on the call if they want you there, who tells you whether they need to be examined in person.
See a doctor by video, with family on the callIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Dementia. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Symptoms of dementia. NHS. Patient information.
- Sudden confusion (delirium). NHS. Patient information.
- Delirium: prevention, diagnosis and management in hospital and long-term care (CG103). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Integrated care for older people: guidelines on community-level interventions to manage declines in intrinsic capacity. World Health Organization, 2017. Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.