HomeHealth TopicsOlder AdultsMemory
Back to Older Adults
Memory
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Older Adults

Memory

Memory is the essential process of storing and retrieving information, though it can be affected by aging and various medical conditions.

Every day, you have different experiences and you learn new things. Your brain cannot store all of that information, so it has to decide what is worth remembering. Memory is the process of storing and then remembering this information. There are different types of memory. Short-term memory stores information for a few seconds or minutes. Long-term memory stores it for a longer period of time.

Memory doesn't always work perfectly. As you grow older, it may take longer to remember things.

It's normal to forget things once in a while. We've all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. If you are an older adult who forgets things more often than others your age, you may have mild cognitive impairment. Forgetting how to use your phone or find your way home may be signs of a more serious problem, such as:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Other types of dementia
  • Stroke
  • Depression
  • Head injuries
  • Blood clots or tumors in the brain
  • Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems
  • Reactions to certain medicines

If you're worried about your forgetfulness, see your health care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

nticholinergics (found in some antihistamines, bladder meds, and sleep aids), benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, and high‑dose statins can affect cognition. Review all medications with your clinician; they may adjust doses, switch to alternatives, or suggest timing changes to minimize impact.
Occasional lapses—like misplacing keys or forgetting a name—are common with age. Warning signs include forgetting important appointments, getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions, or difficulty handling complex tasks. If these changes interfere with daily life or worsen over months, schedule a medical evaluation for cognitive testing.
Regular aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking 150 min/week) boosts blood flow to the hippocampus. A Mediterranean‑style diet rich in leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts supports brain health. Adequate sleep (7‑9 hours) consolidates memories, and mental activities like puzzles, learning a new skill, or social engagement reinforce neural pathways.
Immediate evaluation is needed if memory loss appears abruptly and is accompanied by confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side, vision changes, or loss of balance—these could signal a stroke, transient ischemic attack, or brain bleed. Call emergency services right away.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss