Everyone forgets things from time to time. Even those with sharp cognitive function may struggle to remember what they had for dinner a few nights ago or how they recognize the actor in the TV show they’re watching.
Living with Alzheimer’s—or having a loved one who has it—can be so devastating that it’s easy to become hyperaware of it as we age, fearing that every time you forget something, it’s an early stage of dementia. This can make it hard to distinguish “normal” forgetfulness from actual warning signs.
Related: The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Dementia Sign, According to Neurologists
Dr. Doher tells Parade that lifestyle changes should not be viewed as a guarantee against dementia, but they can reduce risk, improve cognitive reserve and delay the onset of symptoms.
Not smoking is another way to lower your risk of dementia. According to a 2025 study published in BMC Public Health, smokers have an estimated 31% greater risk of dementia.
Related: Scientists Reveal the Step Count That May Delay Alzheimer's by 7 Years
Memory Loss That Is a ‘Normal’ Part of Aging
With this in mind, all of the below examples are considered normal parts of aging and not a cause for concern, according to Dr. Doher:
Occasionally forgetting a name but remembering it laterMisplacing keys or glassesWalking into a room and forgetting why you went there before remembering laterNeeding reminders or calendars to stay organizedTaking longer to learn new hobbies or unfamiliar tasksRelated: Psychologist Says if You Instantly Forget Someone’s Name After Meeting Them, You Likely Have These 9 Traits
Below are some examples of memory loss that could be early signs of dementia, according to Dr. Doher:
Repeatedly asking the same questions because the answers are quickly forgottenForgetting recent conversations or events as if they did not happenDifficulty managing finances, medications or other previously familiar responsibilitiesGetting lost in familiar placesTrouble following recipes, instructions or managing complex tasks that were once routineNoticeable changes in judgment, personality or behaviorDifficulty finding words or following conversationsFamily members noticing a decline that the individual may not recognize themselvesWhat To Do if You or a Loved One Is Experiencing These Warning Signs
If you or a loved one is experiencing these warning signs, Dr. Doher recommends seeing a doctor for an evaluation. “Early evaluation is more important today than ever before,” he says.
What if the symptoms are due to dementia? Dr. Doher emphasizes that while there is no cure for most neurodegenerative diseases, there are treatments that can improve symptoms, and for people with early Alzheimer's disease, disease-modifying therapies may slow progression.
It bears repeating that not every instance of forgetfulness is a sign of dementia, but it’s also important not to completely ignore them. “I would encourage people not to dismiss concerns simply because they are ‘getting older,’" Dr. Doher says. "If you or a loved one notices persistent changes in memory, thinking or behavior, don't ignore them. Many conditions that affect cognition are treatable, and for those that are not, earlier diagnosis allows for better care, better planning and increasingly access to new therapies that can have an impact on disease progression."
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Sources
Alzheimer’s Factsand Figures. Alzheimer’s Association.Dr. Nicholas Doher, DO, neurologist at Cleveland Clinic specializing in cognitive and behavioral neurology.You, W. (2025). Cardiovascular Disease as a Predictor of Dementia: A Cross-National Ecological Study of 204 Countries. Health Science Reports. 8(9):e71179.Myrstad, C., Larssen, M., Engdahl, B., et al. (2025). Smoking is associated with increased risk for dementia: the HUNT study, Norway. BMC Public Health. 26(1):246.Hence then, the article about ask a neurologist when does normal memory loss become something more was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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