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I am a 78 year old woman with short term memory loss that’s gotten worse (e.g., forgetting my keys, forgetting words in mid-sentence, etc.). Am I destined to a future of dementia or even Alzheimer’s?

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Q. I am a 78 year old woman with short term memory loss that’s gotten worse (e.g., forgetting my keys, forgetting words in mid-sentence, etc.). Am I destined to a future of dementia or even Alzheimer’s?

Eric R. Kandel, M.D.
Answer By: Eric R. Kandel, M.D.

University Professor

Fred Kavli Professor and Director

Kavli Institute for Brain Science

Senior Investigator

Columbia University / Howard Hughes Medical Institute
This seems, on the face of it, to be characteristic of what is called 'age-related memory loss,' or 'benign senescent forgetfulness.' An annoying disorder, this need not indicate that anything more serious is going on, although clearly this is not an optimal condition. I would strongly recommend, however, that you go see a neurologist in your city who has experience with age-related memory loss, including cases that verge into dementia. It is impossible to diagnose your problem based only on the information you have provided. But a neurologist who examines you in detail will be able to help you sort things out.
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