Aging and Memory Loss

by National Institute on Aging

We've all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. It's normal to forget things once in a while. However, forgetting how to make change, use the telephone, or find your way home may be signs of a more serious memory problem.

We have written this booklet to help you know:

1. The difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems.

2. The medical causes of memory problems and how they can be treated.

3. How to cope with serious memory problems.

Differences between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems

Jeanne couldn't find her car keys. She looked on the hook just inside the front door. They weren't there. She searched in her purse. No luck. Finally, she found them on her desk. Yesterday, she forgot her neighbor's name. Her memory was playing tricks on her. She was starting to worry about it. She decided to see her doctor. After a complete check-up, her doctor said that Jeanne was fine. Her forgetfulness was just a normal part of getting older. The doctor suggested that Jeanne take a class, play cards with friends, or help out at the local school to sharpen her memory.

What is mild forgetfulness?

It is true that some of us get more forgetful as we age. It may take longer to learn new things, remember familiar names and words, or find our glasses. These are usually signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems.

If you're worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor. You also can do many things to help keep your memory sharp. Finding a hobby, spending time with friends, eating well, and exercising may help you stay alert and clear-headed. Here are some ways to help your memory:

• Learn a new skill.
• Volunteer in your community, school, or place of worship.
• Spend time with friends and family whenever possible.
• Use memory tools such as big calendars, to-do lists, and notes to yourself.
• Put your wallet or purse, keys, and glasses in the same place each day.
• Get lots of rest.
• Exercise and eat well.
• Don't drink a lot of alcohol.
• Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.

What is a serious memory problem?

Serious memory problems affect your ability to carry out everyday life activities such as driving a car, shopping, or handling money. Signs of serious memory problems may include:

Getting lost in a place you know well may be a sign of a serious memory problem.

• Asking the same questions over and over again.
• Becoming lost in places. you know well.
• Not being able to followdirections.
• Getting very confused about time, people, and places.
• Not taking care of yourself - eating poorly, not bathing, or being unsafe.

What to do about serious memory problems

If you are having any of the problems listed above, see your doctor. It's important to find out what might be causing a serious memory problem. Your treatment depends on the cause of the problem.

Medical causes of memory problems and how they can be treated

Al's story

Al didn't know what was happening. He was having a hard time remembering things. He wasn't eating well and couldn't seem to get interested in seeing friends or taking his usual walk around the neighborhood. He was confused and irritable. He wasn't sleeping well at night. His wife was worried. She took him to the doctor. It turned out that Al was having a bad reaction to one of his medicines. Once his doctor changed the medicine, Al felt more like his old self.

What causes serious memory problems?

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause serious memory problems. These problems should go away once you get treatment. Here's a list of things that cause memory problems:

• Bad reaction to certain medicines
• Depression
• Not having enough fluids in your body, also called dehydration
• Not eating enough healthy foods, or too few vitamins and minerals in your body
• Minor head injuries
• Thyroid problems

These medical conditions are serious and should be treated by a doctor.

Feeling very sad and worried may cause serious memory problems.

Emotional problems

Some emotional problems in older people can cause serious memory problems. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored can cause you to be confused and forgetful. Being active, spending more time with family and friends, and learning new skills can help. You may need to see a doctor or counselor for treatment. Once you get help, your memory problems should get better.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.