Many patients come to me complaining of memory loss. Memory loss is generally not a normal part of the aging process. While it is true that brain function slows somewhat as we age, we maintain our ability to remember important facts.
Most people forget minor unimportant things in their daily life.
This happens to people of all ages, and while it often becomes more common as we age, it is generally not a sign of a demeaning illness such as Alzheimer's disease. There are dozens of causes of memory loss, many of which are treatable. Even if the underlying cause cannot be altered, there are many things that can help a person improve his or her function. First, get an evaluation by a physician. This evaluation should consist of a complete history and physical examination, including a formal memory test.