How Is Your Memory Holding Up?

You might recall one or two events before you were 4, but not much before you were 3. Children begin to identify objects around them (semantic memories) by 10 to 12 months. They remember things that happened earlier in time (episodic memories) by 20 to 24 months. You may not be able to form memories solid enough to survive into adulthood until you can think about what happened in words.

The human sleep cycle is crucial to making memories. If something important happens to you during the day, your brain strengthens your thoughts and feelings about the event overnight while you rest.

Details stored in your mind can be sorted in three categories: short-term, long-term (or remote), and recent (or working). A short-term memory must have some kind of impact for you to store it. The more ties there are between that memory and your bank of long-term memories, the easier it'll be for you to recall it.

Once data has been stored in your long-term memory, it's there forever. But you can't always call it up because the link (or association) has faded. Short-term memories vanish quickly, sometimes after only a few seconds. And recent, or working, memories are often replaced by new info.

Remembering to do something, like run an errand or take daily medication, is called "prospective" memory. Following through on this type of task is tied more to a trigger, like seeing a dry cleaning receipt or driving past a pharmacy, than to having the task committed to memory.

Trouble with total recall can come from many physical and mental conditions not related to aging, like dehydration, infections, and stress. Other causes include medications, substance abuse, poor nutrition, depression, anxiety, and thyroid imbalance.

Yes, memory trouble does come with age, but not everyone has it. People who are more active, both mentally and physically, tend to have a better working memory than people who don't move often or don't do much to challenge their minds.

Studies show that older folks who stay socially active or live with someone also have better mental function.

High blood pressure can affect blood vessels that supply your brain and lead to memory loss. The reverse also may be true: Studies show aerobic exercise, which can lower blood pressure, may improve your memory.

Do a word puzzle. Take a brisk walk. Brain teasers and physical activity can both help maintain mental function and preserve memory. Meditation may benefit seniors with memory problems in just 8 weeks.

As you get older, it's hard to keep your mind on more than one thing at a time. So if you're talking to someone while parking the car, you may not recall where you left it. Stay focused on what you're doing and it'll be easier to find that memory later.

Memory problems are the hallmark of Alzheimer's. Even before people have full-blown Alzheimer's, they often suffer from a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which includes some memory loss. Not all people with MCI go on to develop the disease, however.

Not being able to recall where you put your keys, having trouble calling up a certain word or name, and taking longer to learn new things are signs of mild forgetfulness, which is common. Getting lost in places you know well can signal a more serious problem like Alzheimer's disease, depression, or a circulation problem. 

Other signs of a serious memory problem include asking the same questions repeatedly; not being able to follow directions; becoming confused about time, people, and places; and forgetting to take proper care of yourself.

Men and women living with a partner with dementia have a much higher risk of getting it themselves. Even so, most people don't get dementia when their partner does. The stress of caregiving, which has been linked to depression and poorer overall health, may be a factor.