It’s perfectly normal to experience some changes in how our memory functions as we age. According to the National Library of Medicine, about 40% of people over 65 will start experiencing memory-related issues. However, it’s often challenging to tell the difference between normal age-related memory loss and issues that require the assistance of an expert neurologist.
What is normal age-related memory loss? What could indicate a health condition that needs treatment from the top neurologist in NYC? Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can help patients find answers.
What Is Normal Age-Related Memory Loss?
It’s common for older adults to occasionally forget where they placed items, struggle with recalling names, or experience brief lapses in concentration.
Age-related memory loss commonly includes occasional forgetfulness, slower recall, and what we commonly refer to as absentmindedness. These relatively minor lapses do not significantly impact daily life and are part of the natural aging process.
However, when memory lapses become persistent, begin to interfere with daily functioning, or accompany other symptoms, they may indicate a more serious neurologic issue.
The World Health Organization reports that more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia. Further, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that as many as half of persons 85 and older could have some form of dementia.
Understanding Mild Cognitive Decline vs. Dementia
Mild cognitive decline involves noticeable impairments in memory and thinking but does not yet meet the criteria for dementia.
Symptoms can include:
- Frequently losing your train of thought
- Decreased concentration
- Becoming increasingly challenged by making decisions
- Having trouble remembering recent conversations
When considering questions like, “What is normal age-related memory loss?” medical professionals consider these symptoms as indications of cognitive issues more advanced than occasional memory lapses.
Dementia is a more advanced cognitive condition marked by severe and persistent declines in two or more common intellectual abilities that significantly disrupt daily functioning, including memory, language, judgment, and abstract thinking.
When To Seek Help for Age-Related Memory Loss
Significant symptoms of conditions that require treatment with a neurologist include:
- Persistent forgetfulness. This includes repeatedly forgetting recent events or struggling with remembering familiar routines.
- Behavioral changes. Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, and becoming personally disheveled are significant concerns in combination with diminished memory.
- Decline in work performance or daily activities. Memory issues that lead to missed deadlines, unusual financial mismanagement, or performing routine tasks like cooking or driving suggest memory loss is more than age-related.
- Difficulty communicating. Short-term memory loss that impairs the ability to understand conversations or causes frequent losses of a basic train of thought are signs of deeper issues.
Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. To See a NYC Neurologist
If you or a loved one are experiencing age-related memory loss that interferes with daily life, it’s critical to consult a neurologist early who can provide clarity and medical guidance on the best next steps, including treatment options and strategies to manage symptoms.
Whether you have memory issues, have concerns about when you should see a neurologist after a car accident, or have any other neurologic health needs, Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. is here to assist at multiple locations across the metropolitan area.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Call us today at (347) 602-9530 to schedule an appointment with the top neurologist in NYC and to discuss the answer to, “What is normal age-related memory loss?”
FAQs About Age-Related Memory Loss and Neurology
These are some of the questions our patients ask about age-related memory loss.
Can Medications Cause Memory Loss?
Certain medications can cause memory loss, and patients can often manage negative effects by asking their doctor to adjust dosages or switch medications. The negative cognitive effects of some medications are usually more pronounced in older adults. Consult with your neurologists about current medications and dosages regarding adverse effects on memory and cognitive function.
Does Stress or Anxiety Contribute to Memory Problems?
Stress and anxiety contribute directly to memory and concentration problems. Stress and excess cortisol production make it harder for a person to focus and recall information. Solid stress management techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or professional counseling help reduce the multiple harmful effects of anxiety — including reduced memory function.
What Role Does Sleep Play in Memory Retention?
Sleep plays a central role in memory retention. Poor sleep quality or medical disorders like sleep apnea often lead patients to have concerns about what is normal age-related memory loss, in that the brain strengthens short-term memories and converts them to long-term memories during sleep. Poor sleep also contributes to reduced overall cognitive function.
