Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Memory loss and forgetfulness

Many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. Forgetting things from time to time is a normal part of aging, but difficulty doing everyday tasks can be a sign of a more serious memory problem. Find out more about the reasons for memory loss and when to talk with a doctor.


Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging

Learn the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and signs of a memory problem, such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia, and about other factors that can affect memory and may be treatable.
Older woman talking to her doctor about memory problems

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Learn about mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which people have more memory problems than normal for people their age, and when it might be time to see a doctor.
Calendar resting on a table

nia.nih.gov

An official website of the National Institutes of Health