How to tell when forgetfulness may be more than normal ageing
By Trizer Lijondo, September 21, 2026Forgetting where you placed your keys, struggling to remember a name or occasionally missing an appointment can happen as people grow older. However, when memory problems become frequent and begin interfering with everyday life, they may require closer attention.
As the world marks World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, families are being encouraged to understand the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and more serious cognitive changes.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), occasional forgetfulness is generally a normal part of ageing. However, dementia is not considered a normal part of growing older and can affect memory, thinking, judgement and a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
When forgetfulness may be normal
Ageing can sometimes make it take longer to recall information or learn something new. A person may occasionally forget which day it is but remember later, lose their belongings from time to time or struggle briefly to find the right word.
The NIA notes that these experiences can occur without indicating dementia. Someone may also make an occasional poor decision or forget to pay a bill but still be capable of managing their normal responsibilities.
The important issue is whether the forgetfulness remains occasional or starts becoming a regular disruption to daily life.
Warning signs to watch for
Repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places or struggling to follow a familiar recipe or set of instructions can be signs that memory problems need medical attention.
Other warning signs include increasing confusion about dates, people or places, difficulty handling bills and money, trouble having conversations and frequently misplacing items without being able to retrace where they were left.
According to the NIA, Alzheimer’s disease can also affect skills beyond memory, including language, reasoning, judgement and visual-spatial abilities.
What to do when changes become noticeable
Not every memory problem is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The NIA says factors including sleep problems, medication side effects, depression, certain medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies and major stress can also contribute to memory difficulties.
If forgetfulness is becoming persistent or affecting everyday activities, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional rather than assuming it is simply part of ageing.
A doctor can assess the person’s symptoms and look for possible causes. Early assessment can also help families understand what support may be needed and whether further evaluation is appropriate.