Age Related Memory Loss or.....

Many older people worry about not remembering certain dates, or to pay a bill, perhaps a name they are sure they should know.

These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness, often a normal part of aging—not serious memory problems.

What's the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? Serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving and shopping. Signs may include:

• Asking the same questions over and over again
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Not being able to follow instructions
• Becoming confused about time, people, and places

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Some older adults have a condition called 'mild cognitive impairment'.or MCI, in which they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. 

People with MCI can take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer's, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's disease  

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 6 to 12 months to see if you have any changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. 

There may be things you can do to maintain your memory and mental abilities. No medications have been approved to treat MCI.

Talk with your health care provider to determine if memory loss and other thinking problems are normal or not, and what is causing them.

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