Human memory changes as we age, so it is natural that we each start to become concerned as we get older. Worries about memory issues are common since we rely on our memory for so many things. It’s important to understand how human memory works and changes so you that you will know what to be concerned about and what to simply laugh off as a result of aging.

How Memory Works
Your brain collects memories in different parts of your brain. One segment of your brain collects short term memories - things like where you just parked your car, where you last put your keys and if you turned off the stove burner or not. Another segment of your brain stores recent memories, such as what you did for work that morning or your schedule for the week. Yet one more segment of your brain stores long-term memories, such as where you lived as a child and what repeated experiences you had a teenager. Your brain stores different memories differently, such that your brain will remember a procedure memory - such as how to ride a bike or make coffee - much better than your brain will retain the memory of a name or title.

How Does Aging Affect Memory Storage and Retrieval?
As you get older, you lose brain cells through natural events. Your brain also begins to produce a smaller amount of specific chemicals linked to memory retrieval, especially from the short term memory section of your brain where you stored information such as the name of the person to whom you were just introduced. While bits of information such as dates, names and specifics of events will fade from your memory as you age, you will still retain vivid memories of things you learned how to do and did repeatedly. You will also hang onto long-term memories even as your brain starts to lose its ability to secure new bits of information.

When Should You Be Concerned About Memory Loss?
No one likes to lose their memory or view themselves as forgetful, but you shouldn’t worry about memory loss unless it begins to interfere with your ability to live and work independently. If you no longer can remember how to do activities you’ve done repeatedly or need to do to function independently, or if you find yourself unable to learn new things, you may want to see your doctor and talk to a family member about your memory loss. Your doctor can perform tests to assess your memory health and can suggest ways to preserve your memory.

What Can You Do To Keep Your Memory Sharp?
You may want to do a few of these memory-sharpening activities as you age:

• Crossword puzzles
• Sudoku
• Scrabble
• Make lists
• Write out the details of your daily schedule