Is It Just Forgetfulness?

By Jane Farrell

Many people become worried about forgetfulness as they age. Mild forgetfulness, such as losing things from time to time, can be a normal part aging. Consider these techniques to help manage memory and changes in memory:

*Start and follow a daily routine

*Stay in activities that help both mind and body

*Get enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours per night

What’s the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), itt’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

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:

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.

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

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.

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.

For more information on brain health from the NIH and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), click here.