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12 BrainMatters FALL/WINTER 2017 Is your memory normal for your age? By: Dr. Nicole Anderson M any older adults make simple memory mistakes that come naturally with aging, but they often worry that Alzheimer's is the culprit. In fact, almost half of people over the age of 65 who don't have Alzheimer's or dementia still experience some memory loss, according to Alzheimer Canada. As we grow older, the brain changes and the mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. This process actually starts as early as our 30s, when our brains start to shrink, a natural sign of aging, which affects thinking abilities and memory. As we age, it becomes more difficult to transfer short- term memories into detailed, long-term memories. For example, the name of someone you just met isn't always permanently stored in the brain. It also becomes trickier to access specific information, such as remembering the password for an online account that is used infrequently or the phone number of a distant relative. But not all aspects of memory are affected by aging. We continue to acquire new knowledge and improve our vocabulary as we get older. We can keep improving cognitive skills through playing an instrument or doing crosswords, for example. Managing fears of Alzheimer's is important, since chronic anxiety and stress can damage the brain and increase the risk of depression and dementia. Anyone over the age of 40 can take a free, 20-minute memory test through cogniciti.com. This scientifically validated assessment offers an objective look into brain health and can be helpful to do before seeing your doctor. If you or a loved one has serious memory concerns, raise them with your family doctor. Don't be afraid to be persistent and request a cognitive assessment. For more articles like this visit: baycrest.org/brainmatters Dr. Nicole Anderson Dr. Nicole Anderson is a senior scientist at Baycrest Health Sciences and an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at U of T. The above excerpt was first-published on June 26, 2017 by The Toronto Star in the weekly Doctors' Notes column which is written by members of the U of T Faculty of Medicine. BrainMatters has edited the column for space and content. WHAT'S A NORMAL MEMORY MISTAKE AND WHAT'S NOT? • It is normal to get stuck on an acquaintance's name, but not to forget the name of a close loved one. • It is normal to get lost in unfamiliar places, but not to get lost in a place you used to know like the back of your hand. • It is normal to forget to buy an item or two from the store, but not to forget that you just went to the store. • It is normal to not know the exact date (to be off by a day or two), but not to be completely disoriented in time (e.g., thinking that it is 2007). • It is normal to forget why you went into a room (e.g., you forgot that you went to grab a book), but not to be unable to focus and complete many of your daily tasks. • It is normal to tell someone the same story or joke on different occasions, but not to tell the same story or joke repeatedly within a single conversation.

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