Memory and aging: What’s normal, what’s not
Forgetfulness is a common complaint among older adults. You start to talk
about a movie you saw recently when you realize you can’t remember the title.
You’re giving directions to your house when you suddenly blank on a familiar
street name. You find yourself standing in the middle of the kitchen wondering
what you went in there for.
Memory lapses can be frustrating, but most of the time they aren’t cause for
concern. Age-related memory changes are not the same thing as dementia.
As we grow older, we experience physiological changes that can cause glitches
in brain functions we’ve always taken for granted. It takes longer to learn and
recall information. We’re not as quick as we used to be. In fact, we often
mistake this slowing of our mental processes for true memory loss. But in most
cases, if we give ourselves time, the information will come to mind.
What causes age-related memory loss?
- The hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, often deteriorates with age.
- Growth factors—hormones and proteins that protect and repair brain cells and stimulate neural growth—decline with age.
- Older people often experiencedecreased blood flow to the brain, which can impair memory and lead to changes in cognitive skills.
- Older people are less efficient at absorbing brain-enhancing nutrients.
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