When is forgetfulness a sign of something more serious?
Dr. Tommy Wood explains that occasional memory lapses are often caused by stress, sleep deprivation, or information overload rather than dementia. He emphasizes that focusing too much on forgetfulness can create a cycle of stress that worsens memory retrieval.
Why it matters
Understanding the difference between normal cognitive lapses and serious health issues helps reduce unnecessary anxiety regarding brain health.
Moments of forgetfulness can be unsettling, often triggering fears about dementia.
Sunday Morning 4 October 2026 6 min read Caption: Dr Tommy Wood is associate professor of paediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington and runs a laboratory that focuses on brain health across the lifespan. Photo credit: Supplied / Elizabeth Nance Memory lapses can be more ordinary than people think, says Dr Tommy Wood, associate professor of paediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington.
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