Memory Loss & Forgetfulness

Course overview

This health update reviews the current state of knowledge regarding forgetfulness and dementias. It discusses forgetfulness that characterizes the normal aging process along with short term and long-term memory and how aging affects each of them. It suggests strategies for improving short and long-term training and cognitively-stimulating activities. Mild cognitive impairment is also defined, and its two subtypes, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment are described. While it is impossible to clearly delineate between normal age-related forgetting and MCI, in general, individuals with MCI perform relatively poorly on formal memory tests when compared with others in their own age group, and tend to show mild difficulties in other areas of cognition, such as naming objects or people (remembering names) and complex planning tasks. A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment carries a higher than average risk of developing dementia in the future. The diagnosis, causes, and risk factors for MCI are discussed as well as its likelihood of progression to dementia, treatment, and prevention. Dementia statistics are presented along with differential diagnosis. The most common forms of dementia are described including Alzheimer?s disease, types of vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementias