Problems with memory, judgment, or problem solving

Adults of all ages occasionally forget where they put their keys or glasses, where they parked their car, or the name of an acquaintance. Older adults may take longer to retrieve memories. Although this is a normal part of aging, not all older adults experience memory changes. This type of memory problem is more often annoying than serious.

Memory loss that begins suddenly or that significantly interferes with daily life may indicate a more serious problem.

• Dementia is a general decline in a person's mental abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily living and activities. It affects memory, problem solving, learning, and other mental functions. It may occur over several weeks to several months. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
• Delirium (acute confusional state) is a sudden change in a person's mental status, leading to confusion and unusual behavior. Symptoms of delirium usually develop over the course of several hours to a few days and may fluctuate.
• Amnesia is memory loss that may be caused by a head injury, a stroke, substance abuse, or a severe emotional event, such as combat or a motor vehicle accident. Depending upon the cause, amnesia may be either temporary or permanent.

Treatment depends on the cause of symptoms. A health professional can evaluate symptoms and recommend treatment.