Normal Age-Related Memory Changes
Just as our body changes as we age, so does our mind.
Many people find that as they grow older it is more difficult to do things that involve memory. For example, we may find that we have difficulty recalling details about about past events. When we have to pay attention to new information, we may find that we have difficulty remembering lists or numbers. It is also common for us to have more difficulty as we age remembering to carry out an action we had planned to complete. These memory "lapses" are expected to occur as we age, and are generally nothing to be alarmed about.
Normal age-related memory loss is distinguished from Mild Cognitive Impairment (termed MCI) by the severity of one's cognitive difficulties. Although MCI is not considered a dementia (that is, disease related), it is a precursor to dementia. It is therefore critical to identify the presence of MCI so that it may be monitored and treated. Unfortunately, neither the person with MCI, nor those around him or her, can readily distinguish between MCI and normal age-related memory loss. It is important to see a trained memory specialist if you suspect the presence of MCI.
Normal Age-Related Memory Changes
