Memory and concentration difficulties
Memory problems and concentration difficulties can manifest in many ways: difficulty remembering names or things, trouble completing tasks, or repeatedly drifting off into thoughts.
The most common causes in young and middle-aged people are stress, lack of sleep, depression, burnout or ADHD. In older people, the underlying cause may be neurodegenerative diseases such as memory disorders.
Treatment depends on the cause: treatment of stress and sleep problems, psychotherapy, neuropsychological assessment or medication. Early assessment is important, especially if symptoms have worsened rapidly.
Practitioners – Memory and concentration difficulties
Aani Leppänen
Occupational health
Aapo Tonder
Occupational health
Aaro Kujanen
Psychology
Aaro Liukkonen
Occupational health
Aaro Vahtera
Psychology
Aatu Rajamäki
Occupational health
Ada Meriläinen
Occupational health
Adalmiina Aulakoski
Occupational health
Agneta Ahlfors
Psychology
Ahti Vainio
Occupational health
Frequently asked questions
Can lack of sleep and stress impair memory?
Yes, significantly. Sleep is critical for memory encoding - during sleep, the brain transfers short-term memory into long-term memory. Chronic lack of sleep and stress disrupt this process and impair both memory and learning ability.
How does ADHD affect memory and concentration?
ADHD often causes difficulties with executive function and working memory - not so much problems with storing information. A person may forget things that were not written down or jump from one task to another. Neuropsychological assessment and medication can help significantly.
When are memory problems a cause for concern?
As people age, some memory processes naturally slow down. It is a cause for concern if a loved one notices repeated getting lost in familiar places, difficulty managing daily activities, or personality changes. Seeing a memory specialist is important in such cases.