Memory Summary Your mind works a lot like a computer. Your brain puts information it judges to be important into “files.” When you remember something, you pull up a file. Memory doesn’t always work perfectly. As people grow older, it may take longer to retrieve those files. Some adults joke about having a “senior moment.” It’s normal to forget things once in awhile. We’ve all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. Seniors who forget things more often than others their age may have mild cognitive impairment. Forgetting how to use the telephone or find your way home may be signs of a more serious problem. These include Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, stroke, depression, head injuries, thyroid problems, or reactions to certain medicines. If you’re worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor. NIH: National Institute on Aging National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Specifics Agnosia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Amnesia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Brain Fog Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation Dissociative Disorders Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Prosopagnosia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Right Hemisphere Brain Damage American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Transient Global Amnesia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Related Issues Chemo Brain Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Questions and Answers about Memories of Childhood Abuse American Psychological Association Sleep On It: How Snoozing Strengthens Memories National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Amnesia National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Memory National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Memory Disorders National Institutes of Health Start Here Coping with Memory Loss Food and Drug Administration Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask for Help National Institute on Aging Things Forgotten: Simple Lapse or Serious Problem? National Institutes of Health Understanding Memory Loss National Institute on Aging Seniors Eldercare at Home: Memory Problems AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Memory and Aging American Psychological Association Treatments and Therapies Ginkgo National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Medications for Memory Loss Alzheimer’s Association Videos and Tutorials Making a Memory Book National Institute on Aging NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Memory Conditions at a Glance Understanding Memory Loss Array Memory loss Mental status testing Remembering tips Prevention and Risk Factors Memory Loss: 7 Tips to Improve Your Memory Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Diagnosis and Tests Memory Loss: When to Seek Help Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Children Memory Matters Nemours Foundation Find an Expert National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute on Aging National Institute on Aging Journal Articles Memory Memory disorders Statistics and Research Storing Memories of Recent Events National Institutes of Health Latest News Could Talk Therapy Ease Chemo-Related Memory Issues? HealthDay Keep Busy! Stay Sharp! HealthDay
