Memory concerns are valid and important to examine further. It helps to understand exactly when you might start to see normal age-related memory decline and what qualifies as normal for memory and Aging too. The general belief is that memory loss is something that only older adults experience, but the details about what happens and when you might see those changes are a lot different.

Memory Decline Starts Earlier than You Think

Lots of people start to think about memory issues becoming a problem in their 60s or 70s, or even later. But in reality, memory loss can start as early as someone’s 40s. If you have certain risk factors or health issues, you might even start to experience memory loss well before your 40s. This is a situation that can vary widely based on individual circumstances and even on family history.

Normal Memory and Aging vs. More Serious Concerns

While there can be some links between memory loss and serious health concerns like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss doesn’t always mean that there’s a problem. Normal forgetfulness occurs once in a while and does not significantly impact daily life. Having trouble following directions, like with a recipe, or getting lost in familiar places could be signs of bigger concern. The bottom line is that normal memory loss due to aging might leave you forgetting something at the moment but remembering soon after. Truly serious memory concerns are much different.

Managing Memory Issues

Managing memory issues might be easier than you expect. Give yourself a routine and schedule that support your daily tasks and relieve you of having to make a ton of decisions. Spend time with friends and family that you care about and seek out new experiences and new skills. Stick with a healthy Diet and do what you can to keep health issues under control.

If you really want to boost your memory, it is time to dial in better Sleep. Pay close attention to the finer points of your diet, too, like reducing sugar and salt intake. Support brain health by adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. And look into activities like Meditation and mindfulness to help clear your mind. Train your brain like a muscle to help improve memory as well. The more brain games and puzzles you engage in to keep your brain active, the better.

Signs it is Time to Get Help

Still not sure whether it is normal memory loss or a problem? If you are finding yourself making more questionable decisions or losing track of daily activities that have not been a problem before, you may need to talk with your doctor. When memory problems become so severe that they’re impacting your daily life, that is a sign that it is definitely time to get more help with what you are experiencing.

It is never too soon to think about brain health and to do everything that you can to ensure your brain and memory is as strong as possible. Taking action now can have big benefits for you down the road.

Want a checklist for “Is My Memory loss normal”? Click on the box at the top right of this page, put in your email, and get it immediately.

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Memory Matters empowers mid-lifers (and beyond) to improve their memory and confidence through proven techniques and strategies. If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from the help of a memory coach, please contact us today! Email rena@renayudkowsky.com

The post At What Age Does Memory Start to Decline? appeared first on Memory Matters.

Rena Yudkowsky Geriatric Social Worker & Memory Coach

Rena Yudkowsky, a professional memory coach and geriatric social worker, is the founder of Memory Matters. She teaches online memory improvement courses to mid-lifers and seniors. Over the past twenty years in the field, she has served as the director of an Alzheimer's unit in an assisted living facility in Maryland, the director of development at a senior enrichment program in Israel, trainer for dementia caregivers, facilitator of support groups, and international lecturer on aging topics.

Currently, she is the memory coach for an international anti-aging clinic where she does 1:1 coaching and is working on a comprehensive program to prevent dementia.

She is super passionate about her mission of helping those 50 + to age more healthfully, both physically and cognitively, as she empowers them to believe in their own memory with confidence.