When to talk to a healthcare provider about memory issues

The body changes with age. Some signs of aging are visible, such as looking in the mirror to find lines around the eyes or a few more gray hairs. Other signs are less visible, but no less noticeable, like changes to eyesight, digestion, or sleep.

Many people also notice changes in their memory and thinking as they get older. These are referred to as cognitive changes. While some cognitive changes can be a normal part of the aging process, others can be a sign of a more serious health concern.

How does the brain change with age?

Just as the skin, bones, eyes, and bladder change as a person gets older, the nervous system undergoes physical changes, including changes in the brain. Parts of the brain shrink and become smaller and blood flow to the brain may decrease.

The brain can also be affected by other age-related changes to the body, such as lower levels of hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable signaling between nerves). Other health conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are more common with age and can also affect how the brain functions.

What memory changes are considered normal?

Some memory changes are considered normal as a person ages. Generally, occasional moments of forgetfulness that do not disrupt a person’s normal life are not a cause for concern (but it’s always worth checking with a healthcare provider). Examples include:

• Occasional forgetfulness. This includes misplacing items like a phone or keys or needing more reminders to remember appointments or tasks.
• Slower recall. A person may not have entirely forgotten a piece of information like an important date or a name, but it takes longer to retrieve that information from memory. They may also take longer to find the right word when speaking or writing.
• Occasional lapses in attention. At times, a person may have greater difficulty concentrating on a task or may become distracted more easily than they did in the past.
• Slower learning time. It may take longer for a person to learn a new skill or piece of information than it did at earlier times in their life, but the ability to learn something new—and learn it well—is still there.

What memory changes can indicate a more serious problem?

While aging and cognitive changes are a different experience for everyone, significant changes to memory and thinking that affect day-to-day functioning are generally a sign of a more serious condition. These include:

• Significant memory loss. This can include forgetting things like recent events, recent conversations, or important information.
• Frequently forgetfulness. This can include being unable to find everyday items, losing valuable items, and regularly forgetting bills or appointments.
• Time and place confusion. A person may become confused about where they are or lose track of time and dates, such as the month or year.
• Difficulty with planning, organizing, and decisions. A person may become confused when faced with a new task or may take a longer-than-normal time to complete a routine task.
• Impaired decision making. A person may make frequent poor decisions or exhibit poor judgement a lot of the time.
• Difficulty with language. A person may use incorrect words, have trouble following conversations, or have difficulty organizing and expressing thoughts in a logical way.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

When people think of memory problems in old age, the first thought is often neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. However, cognitive changes can be caused by many different conditions. Infections, medication side effects, sleep disorders, depression, and other conditions can all cause significant problems with memory and thinking.

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory changes and are concerned, talk to a healthcare provider.