All of us have experienced forgetfullness at one point or other, and as we age, it becomes more pronounced. But when does it become a matter of concern? Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: “Mild forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing and may include occasionally misplacing items, forgetting names, or missing appointments but recalling them later. However, when memory lapses disrupt daily life or make it difficult to perform routine tasks, it may signal a more serious issue.”
“Warning signs include repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, trouble following directions or recipes, increased confusion about time or people, and neglecting personal care. These symptoms go beyond typical age-related forgetfulness and may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Early detection allows for better management of symptoms and planning for the future.”
Cognitive decline can broadly be categorised into three progressive stages:
1. Age-related memory impairment (physiological): This is considered a normal part of aging. People may forget names or misplace items
occasionally but can usually recall them later. It does not interfere significantly with daily functioning.
2. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): This is a medical condition and represents a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia. Individuals with MCI experience a noticeable decline in at least one cognitive function—such as memory, language, or judgment—that is greater than expected for their age but not severe enough to interfere substantially with daily life. Importantly, identifying MCI early is critical, as this group benefits the most from interventions aimed at preventing or delaying the dementia.
3. Dementia (disease): This is a more advanced and irreversible decline in cognitive ability that significantly disrupts daily living and independence. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Alzheimer’s signs to look out for
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by persistent memory loss and cognitive decline that interferes with daily life. Key signs include memory loss that disrupts daily activities, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding images, problems with speaking or writing, misplacing items and an inability to retrace steps. Other symptoms can be poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality. Unlike normal ageing, these symptoms are persistent and progressively worsen, affecting the person’s ability to function independently. For example, someone with Alzheimer’s may forget important dates, repeat questions, get lost in familiar areas, or have trouble managing finances.
Age group most affected by Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease most commonly affects people in their mid-sixties and older, often referred to as late-onset Alzheimer’s. The risk increases significantly with age, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in older adults. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which occurs before the age of sixty-five, is rare but can begin in much younger adults; however, this form accounts for a small fraction of cases. The disease progresses through several stages, starting with subtle changes in memory and thinking, and advancing to more severe cognitive and functional impairments. While age is the greatest risk factor, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play roles in disease risk.
Exercises and activities to keep memory sharp
Engaging in a variety of mental and physical activities is key to maintaining cognitive health as you age.
Brain exercises such as puzzles, crosswords, card games, and learning new skills or hobbies can stimulate different parts of the brain and enhance neuroplasticity. Activities like reading, playing a musical instrument, or even trying a new language challenge the brain and help build cognitive reserve. Physical exercise, social interaction, and maintaining a healthy diet also contribute to brain health. Meditation and visualisation techniques are beneficial for focus and creativity. Consistency and variety are important—mixing different types of mental challenges keeps the brain engaged and may help delay cognitive decline. Setting aside regular time for these activities daily, can have significant long-term benefits for memory and overall cognitive function.