Memory Test
I've been feeling worried about how well my memory functions lately.
It seems like my memory isn't as sharp as others who are around my age.
When something really matters, I'm usually able to keep it in mind.
Without someone reminding me or setting an alert, I frequently miss scheduled appointments.
Even on the same day, I struggle to recall specifics from articles I've read.
To help myself remember important information, I regularly use rhymes or memory tricks.
During conversations, finding the right words rarely gives me difficulty.
I often can't bring to mind events that occurred just a few days ago.
I frequently walk into a room and forget what I came there to do.
To make sure I don't forget something, I focus on it intently.
Looking back five or ten years, my memory has noticeably declined.
Names, faces, and appointments tend to be challenging for me to remember.
While reading books, I often lose track of the content I just finished.
After meeting someone, their name tends to slip my mind quickly.
When trying to remember something, it often feels just out of reach, like it's on the tip of my tongue.
I regularly lose track of items I just set down, such as magazines or eyeglasses.
Important dates like birthdays and anniversaries often escape my memory.
I can vividly remember events from many years ago.
I've observed that my ability to recall recent happenings has gotten worse.
Overall, I feel pretty good about how my memory performs.
20 questions remaining
What you should know
- It's normal to forget things as you get older. More serious memory problems could be signs of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.
- Some kinds of memory can start to get worse in your twenties or thirties. After age 60, memory of events often starts to fade.
- There are many things that can cause memory problems, such as getting older, having certain medical conditions, having emotional problems, taking certain medications, or having dementia.
- In 2020, 22.7% of American adults over 65 had mild cognitive impairment, and 11.3% had Alzheimer's disease.
- The treatment for dementia varies based on its aetiology and may involve medications like cholinesterase inhibitors, aducanumab, and lecanemab, in addition to therapy and behavioural modification to mitigate symptoms.
Do Something Different
- Prevention is key. Making healthy choices like exercising, eating well, stimulating your mind, and connecting with others can lower your risk of cognitive impairment.
- Use coping strategies. These could be writing things down, setting timers, using visual reminders, and sticking to a schedule.
- Get help: Call a doctor or neuropsychologist for an evaluation, or find a therapist to help you deal with the stress of losing your memory.
