Which statement offers the best explanation of why some middle aged people have some long term memory loss?

Table of Contents Show

• What's normal forgetfulness and what's not?
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Dementia and aging
• For more information about memory loss and forgetfulness

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 once in a while 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

People with some forgetfulness can use a variety of techniques that may help them stay healthy and deal with changes in their memory and mental skills. Here are some tips:

• Learn a new skill.
• Follow a daily routine.
• Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes.
• Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day.
• Stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
• Volunteer in your community, at a school, or at your place of worship.*
• Spend time with friends and family.*
• Get enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours each night.
• Exercise and eat well.
• Prevent or control high blood pressure.
• Don't drink a lot of alcohol.
• Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.

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

Read and share this infographic to learn whether forgetfulness is a normal part of 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, though 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. The chart below explains some differences between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer's.

For more information about memory loss and forgetfulness

NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380

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 portal for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government.

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: October 21, 2020

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Ask the patient to study the following words for up to one minute:

 Dirt

 Gallery

 Lemon

 Vest

 Ambassador

 Snake

 Lump

 Mantle

 Elbow

 Kettle

When the minute is up, reset the timer for a 20 minute break. After the 20 minutes, ask the patient to write down as many of the words as possible. Recalling fewer than five words could indicate a problem with delayed recall