Age Related Memory Loss

It is a common perception that as we age our memory has the tendency to get a little foggy as well. Neurologically, an aging brain is actually better suited to receive and retrieve information. However like other parts of the body, an aging mind is different for everyone.

Known as age related memory impairment (AMI), age related memory loss is worse in some people than in others and is one of the most common reasons for memory loss. Some people may be able to recall exactly what they wore to their high school prom, while other can barely remember the name of someone they just met. To an extent, this is all a part of normal aging.

Studies have shown that episodic memory is most affected by age related memory loss. Episodic memory is associated with times, places, and the emotions associated with those events. It also has a link to the source of the information and the context of the event. This means that people who suffering from memory loss as they age may have trouble remember details of past events and may have difficulty remembering where they learned something and why. This is because the ability to bind pieces of information together becomes more difficult as we as, and makes short-term memory a little fuzzier.

While these aspects of age related memory loss are considered normal, it is important to note that memory loss beyond these occasional snags may be a sign of something more serious. Mild cognitive impairment marks memory loss that is more severe than occasional forgetfulness and has been shown to be a precursor to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

If you are concerned the mental state of yourself or someone in your family, consulting with your doctor will be able to determine whether you are suffering from normal age related memory loss or something more serious and to learn some memory improvement tips to keep your mind sharp as you age.