Memory loss ranges from age-associated memory impairment, which is a normal degree of forgetfulness, to dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease that can profoundly affect a person’s ability to function.
Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, affects 4.5 million Americans. According to the American Academy of Neurology, 10% of people older than age 65 and nearly 50% of people older than 85 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
Although Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible, memory impairment resulting from other causes, such as depression or thyroid problems, can be improved with treatment. As for Alzheimer’s, even though there is still no cure, the outlook for people with the condition has improved dramatically in the last decade.
In this area of Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, Johns Hopkins experts explain the difference between the normal memory lapses that occur with age and the signs of a more serious memory deficit. They bring you the latest knowledge about how to boost your memory and how to reduce your risk of conditions that can interfere with it. They also review the diagnosis and current treatments of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including such forms as Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
For more information on our Memory Publications, please visit our The Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin and The Johns Hopkins White Papers: Memory pages.
Memory Loss, Alzheimer's and Dementia Glossary
Johns Hopkins Weekly Podcasts: Each podcast is a lively discussion of the week's medical news and how it may affect you. Each ten to twelve-minute free program features Rick Lange, M.D., chief of clinical cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Elizabeth Tracey, director of the Hopkins Health NewsFeed, a radio news service program at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Johns Hopkins Podcast: Weekly Program, and Archive
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