No, Memory Loss Is Not Normal — How To Protect Your Brain, From An Integrative Neurologist

Everyone forgets things now and then. But lapses in memory seem to be increasingly common with age—along with a growing worry about what they mean about your health.

Most people in their 20s won't bat an eye if they can't place someone's name, but the words dementia or Alzheimer's may creep into your thoughts if this happens in your 50s.

Since only about 1 in every 1,000 older adults1 is completely free from any cognitive deterioration, does this support the notion that some extent of memory loss is just to be expected with age? 

"In traditional neurology, we do not consider memory loss normal," says Romie Mushtaq, M.D. "Of course, under prolonged stress, sleep deprivation, and depression as we age, we may have a change in cognition." 

Occasionally forgetting where you put your keys is normal at any age—and some people are more prone to these kinds of slips than others. But this isn't a trait that's destined to become more prevalent with age. 

There are several signs it may be time to talk with a doctor about your memory loss. 

"It can start with several missed regular bills and problems managing bank balances," Romie points out. "Other common signs are a difficulty in remembering words and people's names in your life (like office colleagues and extended family members) and getting lost driving to places you regularly visit."

Lifestyle greatly impacts your brain health, and there are several steps you can take now to help preserve your memory later. 

"Protecting our cognition and memory starts even in our 20s and 30s. Because depending on lifestyle choices, inflammation can start in the brain that early," exclaims Romie. And there's increasing research linking inflammation (which also increases with age)1 to cognitive decline and dementia risk. 

Memory loss (to some degree at least) is often considered synonymous with aging. But they don't have to go hand-in-hand. It's important to seek medical advice if you feel like you are, or if you've noticed a loved one, struggling with memory or having problems completing everyday tasks.