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A number of conditions — not only Alzheimer's disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. By Mayo Clinic StaffEveryone forgets things at times. Perhaps you misplace your car keys or forget the name of a person you just met. Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. There's a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions. If you're having memory problems, talk to your health care provider to get a diagnosis and appropriate care. Memory loss and agingNormal age-related memory loss doesn't cause a significant disruption in your daily life. For example, you might occasionally forget a person's name, but recall it later in the day. You might misplace your glasses sometimes. Or maybe you need to make lists more often than in the past to remember appointments or tasks. These changes in memory are generally manageable and don't affect your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life. Memory loss and dementiaThe word "dementia" is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills. Dementia usually begins gradually, worsens over time and impairs a person's abilities in work, social interactions and relationships. Often, memory loss that disrupts your life is one of the first or more-recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs might include:
Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain — and consequently result in dementia — include:
The disease process (pathology) of each of these conditions is different. Memory loss isn't always the first sign, and the type of memory problems varies. Mild cognitive impairmentThis involves a notable decline in at least one area of thinking skills, such as memory, that's greater than the changes of aging and less than those of dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment doesn't prevent you from performing everyday tasks and being socially engaged. Researchers and physicians are still learning about mild cognitive impairment. For many people, the condition eventually progresses to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or another disorder causing dementia. For people with normal age-related memory loss, symptoms usually don’t progress much, and they don't develop the spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia. Reversible causes of memory lossMany medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. Possible causes of reversible memory loss include:
When to see your doctorIf you're concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. There are tests to determine the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions. It's good to have a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on observations. Questions might include:
In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests, brain-imaging scans and other tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. You might be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. The importance of a diagnosisComing to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. Some people try to hide memory problems, and some family members or friends compensate for a person's loss of memory, sometimes without being aware of how much they've adapted to the impairment. Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it's challenging. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is beneficial because you can:
Your doctor can help you identify community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms. Sign up for free, and stay up to
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. What causes loss of memory in old age?They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer's. Other causes for memory problems can include aging, medical conditions, emotional problems, mild cognitive impairment, or another type of dementia.
What are the possible causes of memory impairment?Causes. Brain tumor.. Cancer treatment, such as brain radiation, bone marrow transplant, or chemotherapy.. Concussion or head trauma.. Not enough oxygen getting to the brain when your heart or breathing is stopped for too long.. Severe brain infection or infection around brain.. What is age related memory impairment?Age-associated memory impairment is considered to be a normal part of aging. It doesn't mean you have dementia. Though you may have difficulties remembering things on occasion, like where you left your keys, a password for a website or the name of a former classmate, these are not signs you have dementia.
What is the leading cause of cognitive impairment in old age?The most common conditions that cause cognitive decline include Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body disease, Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal degeneration (damage and loss of nerve cells in the brain).
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