Many older adults notice changes in their memory. They might forget a name, misplace their keys, or lose track of why they walked into a room. These moments can feel scary, and it’s common to think about dementia or even Alzheimer’s disease, but gradual shifts in memory over time are normal. As people age, their bodies undergo a range of natural changes, including in the brain.
How aging affects memory
The brain, like the rest of the body, slows down with age. Blood flow in the brain may decrease and communication between brain cells may become less efficient (Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging | National Institute on Aging). Brain volume can also shrink with age.
Because of this, some older adults may occasionally take longer to recall information, have trouble multitasking or forget appointments. They may also experience a decline in the ability to remember events (episodic memory). While occasional forgetfulness is normal, serious memory problems are not.
It may be time to speak with a doctor about the possibility of dementia if you or a loved one start asking the same questions repeatedly, get lost in familiar places or have trouble making decisions. Other symptoms may include:
- Trouble following directions or recipes
- Neglecting personal hygiene or safety
- Changes in mood and personality
Here are other differences between normal age-related forgetfulness and dementia:
| Normal aging | Dementia |
| Forgetting things sometimes | Forgetting things often and not remembering later |
| Making occasional bad decisions | Consistently poor judgment |
| Forgetting to pay one bill | Unable to manage finances |
| Forgetting the date but recalling it later | Losing track of time completely |
| Trouble thinking of a word sometimes | Trouble having conversations |
Other symptoms of dementia include language problems, personality changes and problem-solving difficulties. Some people may have mood or behavior changes such as confusion or withdrawal from social activities.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Some older adults develop a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI may have ongoing memory problems that cause them to miss appointments, lose track of conversations or have trouble remembering recent events. People with MCI can still manage daily tasks and drive. Because they don’t usually need help with everyday activities, they can remain independent and live on their own.
Types of mild cognitive impairment
There are two main types of MCI, amnestic, which is memory-related, and non-amnestic, which affects thinking, including attention, reasoning and judgement. Aging is the biggest risk factor for developing MCI, but brain changes, medical conditions such as depression and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity and poor diet also may contribute to it. Other causes, which are sometimes reversible, are side effects from medications, alcohol use and sleep problems.
MCI is fairly common, especially among older adults. About 12-18% of people ages 60-64 have it and about 10-20% of people 65 and older have it, but don’t realize it because the symptoms seem like normal aging.
MCI can raise the risk of getting dementia, but not always. Annually, about 10-15% of people with MCI develop dementia, and about 33% may develop it within five years. However, some people with MCI stay the same over time, and some may improve.
How MCI is diagnosed
There is no single test for detecting MCI. Visit a doctor to be evaluated if you or a loved one have symptoms. An evaluation may include a complete medical history, blood work, a description of symptoms, cognitive tests, descriptions of symptoms from family members and possibly brain imaging tests.
Promoting brain health
There are some actions that may help brain health, among them regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, engaging in mental activities such as doing puzzles or learning a new language, and social interaction.
It’s also important to get enough quality sleep hours and manage stress [helpdementia.com].
What other conditions can affect memory?
Not all memory problems are caused by aging or dementia. Medical causes include head injuries such as concussions, blood clots or tumors; thyroid, kidney or liver problems, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress may also affect memory.
When to talk to a doctor
WellMed clinicians perform a cognitive assessment as part of the annual wellness screening to detect early mild cognitive impairment as part of the Medicare annual wellness visit. If you or a loved one has not had such a screening in the past year, talk to your doctor, especially if you or a loved one’s memory problems are getting worse, start interfering with daily activities, or family and friends notice problems.
The most important thing is to keep track of changes. If memory problems begin to affect daily life, it’s time to speak with a doctor.
With the right care, support and healthy habits, many people continue to live full and meaningful lives as they age.
Sources
- National Institute on Aging (NIH). Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Signs and Symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/signs-symptoms/index.html
- Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation (ALZRA). Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia. https://www.alzra.org/blog/difference-between-normal-aging-and-dementia/
- World Health Organization (WHO). Healthy Aging Overview.
- Research studies on cognitive aging and memory (as referenced in provided material).
