Your mind works a lot like a computer. Your brain puts information it judges to be important into "files." When you remember something, you pull up a file. Memory doesn't always work perfectly. As people grow older, it may take longer to retrieve those files. Some adults joke about having a "senior moment."
It's normal to forget things once in awhile. We've all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. But forgetting how to use the telephone or find your way home may be signs of a more serious problem. These include Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, stroke, depression, head injuries, thyroid problems, or reactions to certain medicines. If you're worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor.
National Institute on Aging
Also available in Spanish
Also available in Spanish
Basics | Learn More | Multimedia & Cool Tools |
---|---|---|
Research | Reference Shelf | For You |
Also available in Spanish
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Also available in Spanish
Also available in Spanish
Also available in Spanish
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Date last updated: 16 January 2009 Topic last reviewed: 07 December 2008 |