Memory and Aging

Abstract

Losing keys, misplacing a wallet, or forgetting someone's name are common experiences. But for people nearing or over age 65, such memory lapses can be frightening. They wonder if they have Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. Developing Alzheimer's is a widespread fear of older adults. The good news is that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Most older adults don't get Alzheimer's! Fewer than 1 in 5 people age 65+ and less than half of those age 85+ have the disease. However, it is important to understand that our brains change over time, and it is helpful to be able to distinguish normal changes from those that require medical and psychological attention.