An Introduction to Memory Loss : Your Memory Matters
Memory loss is often the consequence of normal aging. A simple memory lapse such as forgetting where you put your glasses or someone's name is normal.
An Introduction to Memory Loss
If you answered "yes" to any of the memory quiz questions, talk with your doctor about options to address memory loss. As you age, there is natural wear and tear on brain cells. The older you are, the more these changes affect your memory.
Memory loss is often the consequence of normal aging. A simple memory lapse such as forgetting where you put your glasses or someone's name is normal. Your brain may be changing the way it stores information, which makes it harder to recall. However, occasionally it may be something more serious. Memory loss becomes serious when it affects your ability to live normally.1
One source describes the memory loss associated with normal aging as a person over 50 years old that meets these criteria.
- Has noticed a decline in memory performance.
- Performs below "normal" levels on a standard test of memory.
- All other obvious causes of memory decline, except normal aging have been ruled out. (In other words, the memory decline cannot be attributed to other causes such as recent heart attack or head injury, depression, adverse reactions to medication, Alzheimer's disease, etc.)2
In the Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin (Winter 2006), Dr. Peter Rabins writes that forgetfulness will catch up with all of us at some point. In your 50's, 60's and 70's, "senior moments" become more common. He states that in some instances, these changes are not normal aging and they are not the beginning of Alzheimer's disease either. The other possibility is a between state called mild cognitive impairment. So, when does normal forgetfulness end and mild cognitive impairment begin? Unfortunately, the question is difficult to answer.3
There may be risk factors you can manage to delay memory loss. It is not completely clear if this will help, but it makes sense to take care of your brain and your body. Eating healthy, exercising and keeping your brain active are recommended. Other modifiable factors include managing elevated homocysteine and oxidative stress. Click on these topics to learn more.
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- Memory Loss With Aging: What's Normal, What's Not resources page. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor Website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/124.xml? Accessed December 19, 2006.
- Age-Associated Memory Impairment entry in Glossary. Memory Loss & the Brain Web site. Available at: http://www.memorylossonline.com/glossary/aami.html. Accessed December 19, 2006.
- Morris JC and Rabins PV. Mild Cognitive Impairment. In Rabins PV, ed. Johns Hopkins Medicine Memory Bulletin. Winter 2006. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins Medicine; 2006:19-38.