Memory loss and mild cognitive impairment

Normal age-related memory loss may include things like:

• occasionally misplacing things such as your keys or glasses
• walking into the kitchen and forgetting what you went in for
• forgetting someone's name
• having trouble remembering what you have just read or details of a conversation.

Mild cognitive impairment is when your memory or mental functions such as language, thinking and judgement have declined, but do not significantly affect day-to-day living. 

Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment may include:

• often misplacing or losing things
• having difficulty following conversations
• often forgetting conversations, appointments or events.

If your memory loss or mild cognitive impairment starts to affect your daily life in areas such as work, hobbies, and relationships, it could be an early sign of dementia.

The greater your level of memory impairment, the greater your risk of developing dementia. But some people with mild cognitive impairment do not get worse and a few eventually return to normal.

If you have mild cognitive impairment, it is important to see your healthcare provider every year to monitor your memory and thinking skills.

Dementia

A healthcare provider may use a variety of tests or assessments to assess memory problems.

There is no one test to diagnose mild cognitive impairment. Your healthcare provider will consider lots of factors — including whether the problems are caused by another condition, or by medicines you are taking. They may assess you using a number of tests and assessments before providing a diagnosis.

There are several things you can do to make your life easier and help your memory. These include healthy lifestyle choices that may prevent your memory loss getting worse.

Self-care for memory loss and dementia

While getting older is the biggest risk factor for memory loss and developing dementia, there are several things you can do to stay well as you age:

• keep physically active by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week
• limit your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• eat well
• stay socially connected — meet with family and friends regularly, or join groups or clubs
• have regular hearing checks and use hearing aids if needed
• take care of your physical and mental health, and get help and support if needed
• develop habits which encourage good sleep
• have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure, nutrition, and cholesterol.

Eating well for older people

Staying active when you are older

Effects of sleep on health