age-related memory impairment

The hippocampus, an area of the brain that deals with the formation and retrieval of memories, may deteriorate slightly with age and memories may take a little longer to retrieve than before. They might also be a little more difficult to store. Blood flow to the brain can also slow down as we age and consequently some brain function may be affected. Frequently these ‘signs’ are seen as a possible early indicator of the onset of dementia. However, it's not necessarily the case as age-related ‘forgetfulness’ and mild memory problems are often seen in older adults.

Although there are apparent similarities, age-related memory loss isn't disabling and, unlike dementia, the memory lapses will have little impact on daily life.