Health Tip: Should You Be Worried About Memory Loss?

(HealthDay News) -- It's taking you longer than it once did to learn a new task. Or you've forgotten about today's doctor's appointment. Should you be worried?

In other words, do you have mild forgetfulness or symptoms of a more serious memory problem?

The National Institute on Aging says you should speak to your doctor, who can help determine if your memory and thinking problems are normal or not, and what might be causing them.

Signs of a more serious memory issue include:

• Asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Getting lost in familiar places.
• Not being able to follow instructions.
• Becoming confused about time, people or places.