You should be aware that memory problems could not be an indication of dementia. It might be memory loss brought on by aging.

What does aging mean?
Growing older is a normal part of life. Our bodies and brains gradually alter as we become older. Some of these alterations impact our mental and physical capacities and may raise our risk of illness.

Everybody’s experience of aging is unique. Each person experiences aging differently, as does the degree to which these changes occur and the stage of life at which they become more apparent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that everyone should be able to enjoy a long, healthy life. This is seen as aging well.

What influences my aging process?
In addition to genetics, our surroundings and way of life have an impact on how we age.

Generally speaking, among other lifestyle choices, we can promote good aging by keeping our minds busy, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in social and physical activities.

These are our best options for lowering the risk of disease and ensuring our well-being as we age, even though they do not ensure a long, healthy life free from disease.

These brain-healthy strategies can help you lower your risk of dementia and maintain your memory as you age.

As I age, will my memory deteriorate?
It’s normal to worry about changes in our mental capacities as we age. We want to be able to go about our everyday lives as usual, be independent, and relive the most memorable times of our lives without worrying about memory loss, especially dementia.

Most people won’t have any memory issues.
As we get older, most of us will still have vivid recollections. Our memory won’t deteriorate significantly or quickly. We shall carry into old age the abilities and information we have acquired over the years.

Memory loss will happen to some of us.
After the age of 65, over 40% of us will suffer from some kind of memory loss. However, the likelihood that we develop dementia is relatively low even if we suffer from memory loss. Most of the time, our memory loss is not severe enough to interfere with our daily activities.

We will have dementia at a lower rate.
According to WHO projections, 5 to 8% of people will experience dementia at some point after turning 60. Memory loss is one of the signs of dementia that progressively worsens until our abilities drastically decline and we are unable to care for ourselves.

Why does the percentage of persons with dementia differ so much from the percentage of people who have memory loss? Simply stated, not all memory loss is caused by dementia, and there are various degrees of memory loss. So how do you distinguish between the two?

The various degrees of memory loss
Age-related memory loss
If you’re having trouble remembering things, but:

You have what is known as age-associated memory impairment if they are not significantly interfering with your day-to-day activities, affecting your capacity to finish tasks as you typically would, making it difficult for you to learn and remember new information, and there is no underlying medical condition causing your memory issues.

It is believed that age-related memory loss is a typical aspect of growing older. You don’t necessarily have dementia.

Even while you might occasionally have trouble remembering things, such as where you put your keys, a website password, or the name of a classmate, these are not symptoms of dementia. There’s usually nothing to worry about, even though you might not remember things as quickly as you used to.

mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a disorder that lies between dementia and age-associated memory decline. As the name implies, MCI symptoms are mild; while you may have memory loss and other symptoms like disorientation and trouble speaking, they are not severe enough to interfere with your regular activities and daily routines.

However, compared to people with age-associated memory impairment, those with MCI are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Find out more about MCI.

Alzheimer’s disease
When you have such acute memory loss that:

Your everyday life and ability to maintain your regular schedule are being affected, you’re having trouble learning new things and finishing tasks you know how to do, and those close to you are beginning to notice changes in your abilities. Your memory problems then correspond with what people typically encounter in the early stages of dementia.

However, speaking with your doctor and getting tested are the only ways to determine whether you have dementia.

Examine the signs.
There are several techniques to distinguish between memory problems brought on by normal aging and dementia.

Here are a few instances. This is not a tool for diagnosis.

Memory loss symptoms that are typical of aging
You can’t recall specifics of a discussion or incident that happened a year ago.
You can’t recall the name of someone you know.
Sometimes you forget events and things.
Sometimes you struggle to find the right words.
While your friends and family are not concerned about your memory, you are.
Dementia symptoms
You can’t remember specifics of recent discussions or incidents.
You can’t identify or remember family members’ names.
You are more likely to forget items or experiences.
You hesitate and change terms a lot when you’re trying to locate them.
Although you are unaware of any issues, your friends and family are concerned about your memory.
There are further indicators of dementia to watch out for. Recognize the ten dementia warning symptoms.