Age-Related Memory Changes

Understanding Memory Loss
From time to time, everyone experiences memory losses over seemingly simple tasks like finding a set of keys or remembering names or important appointments. The fact is that people of all ages occasionally have trouble remembering things.

Memory Changes Associated With Aging
As people age, they may mistakenly assume their memories will fail. Although researchers have identified some memory changes that are associated with normal aging, the large majority of older people will not face severe memory loss. Rather, older adults generally experience memory reduction only in certain areas.

Some of the normal age-related memory changes are:

• Slower thinking.
  All body systems become less efficient with age, including thinking and problem solving abilities. The speed of learning and recall decreases, so it may require more time to learn new things and/or retrieve information. Short-term memory doesn't necessarily fade with age; it just takes longer to function.
• Difficulty in paying attention.
  Many memory changes are due to problems of attention, not retention. Reduction in the ability to concentrate as a person ages makes it harder to remember. Distractions are more difficult to ignore and interruptions may cause forgetfulness.
• More memory cues required for recall.
  As people age, more memory aids or cues are needs, and more often, to retrieve information from memory. A cue can be a word, picture, smell, rhyme, or anything associated with information or events to be remembered.