Aging and memory

Abstract

Although some age-related decline in memory probably occurs, most memory changes that result from normal aging are not as extensive within individuals or as representative within the population as previously had been believed (Zarit et al., 1981). Still, when older adults become aware of memory problems, they typically become quite alarmed (see Poon et al., 1980). One reason for this alarm is that memory loss has been found to be a reliable early sign of organic brain disease. Despite the sadness and severity of problems experienced by these patients and their families, the actual incidence of organic brain disease in older adults remains quite low. Unfortunately, it is possible that older adults' concern about less significant memory loss may compound or magnify problems that do exist. Therefore, when working with relatively healthy older adults, it is important first to consider possible transitory, nonmemory factors that could be contributing to memory problems and then to provide the clients with some perspective on their memory failures.