Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What's Normal and What's Not?

As you age, you may notice changes in your memory and wonder if they’re a normal part of aging or a sign of something more serious. Occasional forgetfulness can be frustrating, but it's important to understand what’s normal and what might be a sign of a deeper issue.

At Associated Physicians Group, PLC in Berkley, Michigan, our board-certified providers specialize in internal medicine and geriatrics, offering comprehensive care for aging adults. 

Our team understands the concerns that come with aging, and we’re here to provide the information and support you need.

What are normal age-related memory changes?

As you get older, your bodies, including your brain, experience natural changes—and your memory is included in these changes. 

Here are some typical memory changes that many people experience as they get older:

• Occasional forgetfulness, like misplacing everyday items or forgetting a name
• Taking a moment or two longer to recall names or specific events
• Sometimes, fumbling for the right word in a conversation
• Experiencing slower reaction times
• Slower information processing when learning new information 
• Taking a bit more time to remember past events
• Finding multitasking more challenging

While these symptoms can feel frustrating, they’re usually not signs of a more serious neurological issue. In fact, everyone generally experiences some or all of these symptoms to some degree at some point.  

What are the signs of more serious memory problems?

While some memory changes are normal with aging, others may point to a more serious issue. If your forgetfulness interrupts your daily life, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

Remember that the difference between these interruptions and those listed in the previous section can be nuanced. For example, while it’s normal to sometimes not remember where you placed your car keys, forgetting what you use those keys for isn’t normal. 

These types of memory problems can be signs of a condition called dementia. Dementia is a term that includes memory loss as part of a range of cognitive impairments. 

In addition to memory loss, dementia includes problematic symptoms related to thinking-related skills, language challenges, and problem-solving. Signs of dementia may include:

• Forgetting the names of people close to you
• Forgetting recent events you attended
• Forgetting conversations you recently had
• Repeating the same questions or stories often
• Often scheduled events or appointments
• Difficulty following directions
• Increasing reliance on written reminders   
• Trouble staying focused
• Increased struggles with language (e.g., problems understanding words when reading; coming up with multiple words when conversing)

Struggling to complete tasks with multiple steps, like paying bills, following a recipe, or carrying out complex activities, is another sign that your memory issues are more complex than normal age-related forgetfulness.  

What about Alzheimer’s disease?

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting your memory and your ability to communicate and carry out normal daily tasks. Alzheimer's disease falls under the dementia umbrella, and it’s the most common type of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease involves the degeneration of brain cells, especially those associated with memory, language, and cognition. The changes this causes in your brain lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer's symptoms.

It’s important to note that the changes in your brain can begin years, even decades before you first develop obvious signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This is why seeing a medical provider who specializes in age-related care is so important. 

Getting personalized age-related care

If you’re concerned about memory changes or want to take proactive steps to maintain your cognitive health, the Associated Physicians Group, PLC, specialists are here to help. 

Our providers offer personalized evaluations and comprehensive care tailored to your needs. We provide thorough assessments to determine the cause of your memory problems and create individualized treatment plans. 

Whether it’s managing medical conditions, adjusting medications, or implementing lifestyle changes, our team is dedicated to supporting your cognitive health.

Schedule an appointment with a provider at Associated Physicians Group, PLC, to discuss your concerns and receive personalized recommendations for maintaining your memory and overall well-being as you age.