According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. For example, they might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness – often a normal part of aging – not serious memory problems.
What’s normal forgetfulness and what’s not?
What’s the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? It’s normal to forget things occasionally as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone, and finding your way home. Talk with your doctor to determine whether memory and other cognitive problems, such as the ability to clearly think and learn, are normal and what may be causing them.
Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include:
- Asking the same questions over and over again
- Getting lost in places a person knows well
- Having trouble following recipes or directions
- Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
- Not taking care of oneself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely
Mild cognitive impairment
Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.
Signs of MCI include:
- Losing things often
- Forgetting to go to important events or appointments
- Having more trouble coming up with desired words than other people of the same age
If you have MCI, visit your doctor every six to 12 months to track changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. There may be habits and behaviors you can change and activities you can do to help you maintain memory and thinking skills.
Dementia and aging
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It includes the loss of cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning – and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person’s quality of life and activities. Memory loss, although common, is not the only sign of dementia. People with dementia may also have problems with language skills, visual perception, or paying attention. Some people have personality changes. While there are different forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form in people over age 65.
When to visit the doctor for memory loss
If you, a family member, or a friend have problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms. You may also wish to talk to your doctor about opportunities to participate in research on cognitive health and aging.
At your doctor’s visit, he or she can perform tests and assessments, which may include a brain scan, to help determine the source of memory problems. Your doctor may also recommend you see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the brain and nervous system.
Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Other times, the problem is a brain disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which cannot be reversed.
Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can make the right treatment plan. People with memory problems should make a follow-up appointment to check their memory every six to 12 months. They can ask a family member, friend, or the doctor’s office to remind them if they’re worried, they’ll forget.
For more information about memory loss and forgetfulness
NIA Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380
adear@nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The NIA ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
Alzheimers.gov
www.alzheimers.gov
Explore the Alzheimers.gov website for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
800-352-9424
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
www.ninds.nih.gov
Alzheimer’s Association
800-272-3900
866-403-3073 (TTY)
info@alz.org
www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
866-232-8484
info@alzfdn.org
www.alzfdn.org
This article is provided by Dr. Ralph Kueche (Child Psychologist). Dr. Kuechle is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist who specializes in treating children and their families who may be struggling with mood and behavioral issues. Learn more about Dr. Kuechle.
