It’s not unusual for seniors to worry about their memory or other mental processes as they start to notice changes in their ability to remember things.1 Forgetting why they went into another room in the house, not recalling a familiar name during a conversation or missing an appointment once in a while are all examples of fleeting memory problems that occur with age, reflecting normal changes in brain structure and function.2
These problems may also be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which seniors exhibit more memory lapses or thinking problems than others in their age group. People with MCI usually have no problem taking care of themselves and can function normally.3 And while it may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia in those over age 65 – not every older adult with MCI develops Alzheimer’s.4
When to talk to a doctor about memory loss in seniors
So, what’s the difference between normal, age-related memory lapses and serious memory problems? The truth is that significant memory loss in seniors is not a normal part of aging. It’s the result of brain injury, organic disorders or dementia.5
When older adults start having trouble remembering recent events or thinking clearly, it may be time for a visit with the doctor who can perform various assessments and tests to see what might be causing experiences like these:6
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Getting lost in locations that the senior is familiar with
- Finding it difficult to follow directions, like recipes
- Becoming increasingly confused about time, people and places
- Ignoring good personal habits or safety behaviors
Depending on test results, the doctor may refer the senior patient to a neurologist, a doctor specializing in diseases and treatments of the brain and nervous system. Memory problems may be caused by many different things including infection, medication side effects or depression.7 Once those are treated, the memory may improve. If the underlying cause is a brain disorder like Alzheimer’s, reversing the resulting memory and cognition problems may be impossible.8
Tips for dealing with short-term memory loss in seniors
If doctors determine that short term memory loss in seniors is simply a normal and age-related condition, there are a variety of things older adults can do to sharpen their minds and protect their ability to remember things:9
- Exercise
An important aspect of memory is that it’s tied to good health, which can be maintained and improved through exercise. “Physical exercise has the best evidence for preserving memory and mental function with aging,” says R. Scott Turner, MD, PhD, and director of the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center.10 Some studies suggest physical activity triggers the release of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that promotes healthy nerve cells in the brain, giving the memory a boost.11
- Eat well
While a healthy diet is always good for the brain, 1 eating style might preserve memory best. “There's good evidence for the Mediterranean-style diet,” says Argye Hillis, MD, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.12 A study found that those who closely followed this diet—which emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and olive oil—were nearly 20% less likely to have thinking and memory problems.13
- Get enough sleep
7 to 8 hours a night is generally recognized as the ideal amount. Also, according to Mustafa Husain, MD, director of the geriatric psychiatry division at Duke University School of Medicine, “Attention and concentration go down when sleep is restless, and mental function is not as sharp as it is in those who have normal, restful sleep.”14
Other healthy, commonsense activities that may help preserve memory in older adults include preventing or controlling high blood pressure; avoiding alcohol and tobacco products and getting help if depression is a problem.15
It’s also important to balance the physical aspect of memory preservation with social, emotional and mental activities that spur and maintain seniors’ ability to remember the important things in their lives. Here are 7 tips to prevent memory loss in seniors:16
- Learn a new skill
- Follow a daily routine
- Plan tasks; making to-do lists; using calendars, notes and other tools
- Put keys, phone, wallet and glasses in the same place each day
- Remain involved in activities that benefit both mind and body
- Volunteer in the community
- Spend time with family and friends
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Sources:
1“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed May 15, 2023,
2“7 ways to keep your memory sharp at any age,” Harvard Medical School, last accessed May 15, 2023,
3“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
4“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
6“7 ways to keep your memory sharp at any age.”
7“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
8“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
9“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
10“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
11Stephanie Watson, “9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss,” Compass by WebMD, last accessed May 15, 2023,
12Luca Colucci-D’Amato, et. al., “Neurotrophic Factor BDNF, Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential,” last accessed May 15, 2023,
13“9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss.”
14“9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss.”
15“9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss.”
16“Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not.”
Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
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