Memory Changes After 65

1What memory changes are a normal part of aging?

It is normal to forget things once in a while at any age (National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2023). With age, many people notice that it takes a little longer to recall a name or a word, that new information takes more effort to learn, or that they occasionally misplace things or forget a bill (NIA, 2023).

These changes are usually mild. The information often comes back later, and they do not stop a person from managing daily life. Dementia, on the other hand, is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s without developing it (NIA, 2022).

2What changes may be worth a closer look?

Look at the pattern over time and how it differs from the person’s usual abilities. Are lapses becoming more frequent? Are familiar tasks taking more effort, or is more help needed? You do not need to wait until someone loses independence before seeking advice. The examples below offer guidance; they are not a diagnostic checklist.

Other changes to discuss with a doctor include getting lost in familiar places, having new difficulty following familiar directions or recipes, becoming confused about time or place, or struggling with usual self-care (NIA, 2023).

Some people have memory or thinking difficulties beyond what is expected for their age while remaining largely independent in everyday activities. This is called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It has several possible causes and can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI develops dementia (NIA, 2023).

3What else can affect memory?

Memory can be affected by health conditions, emotional strain, and other factors. Memory may improve when contributing conditions are addressed, although improvement varies and more than one cause may be present. Possible contributors include (NIA, 2023):

• Side effects of medications
• Low levels of nutrients such as vitamin B12, or not eating enough healthy foods
• Thyroid, kidney, or liver problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Head injuries or infections
• Major or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a move, or retirement

Stress-related difficulties with concentration and memory may ease with support and treatment (NIA, 2023). Persistent or worsening changes should still be assessed rather than assumed to be caused by stress alone.

4What can help keep your mind healthy?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia. However, everyday habits can support cognitive health, and addressing modifiable risk factors may reduce the risk of cognitive decline (NIA, 2024). Practical steps include:

• Use simple supports. Calendars, notes, to-do lists, and a regular spot for everyday items such as keys and glasses reduce the load on memory.
• Keep learning. Take up a new skill, hobby, or class, and keep a daily routine.
• Stay connected. Spend time with family and friends, join community activities, or volunteer.
• Move your body. Regular physical activity supports both body and mind.
• Rest and eat well. Aim for about seven to eight hours of sleep and a healthy diet.
• Look after your health. Work with your clinician to manage blood pressure and other health conditions, and limit alcohol. Have hearing and vision difficulties assessed and treated (NIA, 2024).
• Pay attention to mood. If you feel low for weeks at a time, seek help, since depression can affect memory.

Be cautious about supplements or products that promise to improve memory. Their claims are often not supported by evidence (NIA, 2023).

5When should I seek an evaluation, and what does it involve?

Sudden changes need urgent help. If someone develops sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of the body, call 911 immediately. These can be signs of a stroke; do not wait for a routine memory appointment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2026).

Talk with a doctor if you notice changes in your memory that concern you, or that others have pointed out (NIA, 2023). You do not need to be certain something is wrong. Checking early can bring peace of mind, identify treatable causes, and, if needed, allow time to plan.

An evaluation usually begins with your primary care doctor. The doctor will typically review your medical history, medications, and family history, and may order lab tests to look for treatable causes (NIA, 2022). Depending on what they find, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, geriatrician, or neuropsychologist (NIA, 2022).

A cognitive or neuropsychological assessment examines memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and other thinking skills in more detail (NIA, 2022). Interpreted alongside medical history and other findings, it can help clarify the pattern of strengths and difficulties, possible contributing causes, and useful supports. It can also provide a baseline for future comparison. Follow-up visits may be recommended every six to 12 months for people with memory problems, depending on their circumstances (NIA, 2023). This means monitoring changes; it does not necessarily mean repeating a full neuropsychological assessment at each visit.

It is helpful to bring a list of your medications, a few notes about the changes you have noticed and when they began, and, if you are comfortable, a family member or friend who knows you well.

6If you are worried about someone you love

Family members are often the first to notice changes, and raising them can feel difficult. A parent or partner may feel embarrassed, frightened, or defensive.

A few approaches can make the conversation easier:

• Choose a calm, private moment, rather than raising it right after a mistake.
• Lead with care, for example: “I have noticed a few changes lately, and I want to make sure you are feeling well.”
• Focus on health, not labels. Suggesting a general check-up can feel less threatening than mentioning dementia.
• Offer practical help, such as making the appointment or going along.
• Be patient. It may take more than one conversation.

An evaluation can help the person and, with their permission, those supporting them understand what is happening and consider the next steps.

7Paying attention with care

If memory changes concern you, start by noting a few examples and arranging a conversation with your doctor.

This article provides general education about memory changes in older adults. It is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.