Caregiver guide
What causes memory loss and forgetfulness in older adults?
Some forgetfulness, like misplacing keys or reaching for a name, is a normal part of aging. Memory loss that gets in the way of daily life can be caused by medicine side effects, depression, vitamin shortages, thyroid problems, infections, mild cognitive impairment, or a disease like Alzheimer's, and many of these causes can be treated.
Worried about someone's memory?
Maybe your mom has asked the same question three times today. Maybe your husband got lost driving to a store he's been to a hundred times. Or maybe it's your own memory that's worrying you.
The most important thing to know: memory loss has many causes, and not all of them are dementia. The only way to find out is to see a doctor. Here's how to tell what's normal, what's not, and what to do next.
Is memory loss a normal part of aging?
Some changes are. As we age, it can take longer to learn new things, recall a word or remember where we put our glasses. That's mild forgetfulness, and it doesn't stop a person from living their life.
Serious memory loss is not a normal part of aging. When forgetting starts to make everyday things hard, like driving, cooking, shopping or keeping up with a conversation, something else is going on.
Normal forgetfulness or something more?
| Usually normal with age | Worth a doctor visit |
|---|---|
| Forgetting a name, then remembering it later | Asking the same questions over and over |
| Misplacing keys or glasses now and then | Putting things in odd places and not being able to retrace steps |
| Taking longer to learn something new | Getting lost in a familiar place |
| Occasionally searching for a word | Trouble following directions or a simple recipe |
| Missing a bill once | Losing track of bills or money again and again |
| Forgetting what day it is, then figuring it out | Becoming confused about time, people and places |
| Feeling more forgetful when tired or stressed | Not eating, not bathing or being unsafe at home |
If you're seeing things in the right-hand column, make an appointment. If you're not sure, it's still fine to ask the doctor and recheck in 6 months to a year.
What causes memory loss in the elderly?
Memory loss in the elderly can come from many places. Some causes can be treated, and memory may improve once they are:
- Medicines. Side effects, or a mix of medicines, are a common cause. Bring every pill bottle, including over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements, to the doctor.
- Depression, stress and loneliness. Feeling sad, worried, bored or alone can make a person confused and forgetful. Counseling, treatment and time with others can help.
- Poor nutrition. Too few vitamins, especially B12, or not eating enough.
- Too much alcohol.
- Thyroid, kidney or liver problems.
- Infections, such as a urinary tract infection, which can cause sudden confusion in older adults.
- Sleep problems and untreated hearing or vision loss.
- Head injury from a fall, or blood clots or tumors in the brain.
Other causes affect the brain more lastingly:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). More memory trouble than others the same age, but the person still manages daily life. MCI can stay the same, improve, or sometimes lead to Alzheimer's.
- Alzheimer's disease. Starts slowly and gets worse over time. Read What is Alzheimer's disease?
- Vascular dementia. Caused by strokes or reduced blood flow. Signs can appear suddenly.
- Other dementias, such as Lewy body or frontotemporal dementia. See our guide to the types of dementia.
Short-term memory loss in the elderly
Short-term memory loss means trouble holding on to new information, like what was said a few minutes ago, whether medicine was taken, or what was planned for today. Meanwhile, memories from long ago may still be sharp.
Any of the causes above can affect short-term memory. In Alzheimer's, it's often the first sign, because the disease starts in the part of the brain that stores new memories.
If short-term memory loss is new, getting worse, or causing safety problems, like missed medicines or a stove left on, see the doctor.
Sudden memory loss in the elderly
Memory loss that comes on over hours or days is different from slow changes over months. Don't wait on it.
- Call 911 if sudden confusion comes with signs of a stroke: a drooping face, weakness on one side, slurred speech, or a sudden severe headache.
- Call the doctor the same day for sudden confusion without those signs. It may be delirium, often caused by an infection, dehydration, a new medicine, or recent surgery or a hospital stay. Delirium is usually treatable.
Sudden changes can also happen in a person who already has dementia. A fast drop is a reason to check for a new problem, not just "the disease getting worse."
Is there a memory loss test?
There's no single test, but a doctor can check memory in several ways:
- Questions about health, medicines, daily life and the changes family members have noticed.
- Short memory and thinking tests, like remembering words, drawing a clock or answering simple questions.
- Blood and urine tests to look for treatable causes like low B12 or thyroid problems.
- A brain scan, sometimes, to look for strokes, tumors or other changes.
Online quizzes can't tell you what's causing memory loss. A doctor visit can. Our guide to cognitive assessment explains what happens at a memory check-up, and our Alzheimer's and dementia FAQ describes some common screening tests.
How to prevent memory loss in old age
Keep learning
Take a class, pick up a new hobby, play cards or games, or learn an instrument.
Stay connected
Spend time with friends and family, volunteer, or join a faith or community group.
Move and eat well
Regular exercise and healthy meals help your whole body, including your brain.
Rest and go easy on alcohol
Aim for good sleep every night and don't drink too much.
Use memory tools
Big calendars, to-do lists and notes help. Keep keys, wallet and glasses in the same spot every day.
Care for your health
Keep blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol in check, and get help if you feel down for weeks at a time.
How to help a family member with memory loss
If someone you love has a serious memory problem, you can help them live as fully as possible:
- Go to appointments together. You can share what you've seen, and ask to speak with the doctor privately if that's easier.
- Keep routines steady. Same times for meals, medicine and bed.
- Use visual reminders. A big calendar, a daily plan on the fridge, labels on cabinets, and simple written steps for things like the TV remote. Many people can still read well even when memory is fading.
- Help with medicines. A weekly pill box and a daily check-in prevent missed or double doses.
- Keep them involved. Short outings, favorite music and small jobs around the house help your person feel useful.
You don't have to figure this out alone. A free Care Navigation session can help you make a plan, and Information & Referral can point you to local doctors, memory clinics, adult day programs and in-home help.
Questions about memory loss
What are 5 signs of cognitive decline?
Common signs include: asking the same questions over and over; getting lost in familiar places; trouble following directions or handling money; confusion about time, people and places; and not keeping up with personal care, meals or safety. If you see these, talk to a doctor.
What is mild cognitive impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means more memory or thinking problems than is normal for a person's age, but they can still take care of themselves and do their usual activities. Some people with MCI stay the same or get better. Others go on to develop Alzheimer's, so a recheck every 6 to 12 months is a good idea.
Can memory loss be reversed?
Sometimes. Memory problems caused by medicines, depression, low vitamins, thyroid problems, infections or heavy drinking often improve with treatment. Memory loss from Alzheimer's and most other dementias can't be reversed, though some treatments may help symptoms for a while.
What vitamins help improve memory?
If a person is low in a vitamin, like B12, treating that shortage can help memory. For people who aren't low, no vitamin or supplement has been proven to improve memory or prevent dementia. Talk with the doctor before starting any supplement, because some can interact with medicines.
What is memory loss in old age called?
Mild, normal forgetfulness is often called age-related memory change. More serious memory loss might be called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or, when it interferes with daily life, dementia. Dementia isn't a single disease, so ask the doctor which type.
Is memory loss treatable in the elderly?
It depends on the cause. That's why a full check-up matters. Once the doctor knows the cause, ask about the best treatment and what to expect.
My parent won't admit there's a memory problem. What can I do?
This is very common, and sometimes the whole family is in denial for a while. Try framing the visit as a routine check-up, or as a way to rule out simple causes like a vitamin shortage. Call the doctor ahead of time to share your concerns. If memory loss runs in your family, you may also be wondering about yourself. Read Is Alzheimer's genetic?
Where can I get help for memory loss in Central Florida?
Call ADRC at (407) 436-7750. We'll listen, help you understand your options and connect you with local doctors and services. You can also join a free caregiver support group and download free tip sheets from our Caregiver Resource Library.
Download the free Understanding Memory Loss booklet
An easy-to-read booklet from the National Institute on Aging on the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory problems, and what to do. Based in part on National Institute on Aging guidance.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC)
Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC)
1470 Gene Street, Winter Park, FL 32789
Serving Orange and Seminole counties and Central Florida since 1984
(407) 436-7750
info@adrccares.org
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC) in Winter Park, Florida, offers free help for caregivers in Orange and Seminole counties; call (407) 436-7750.