Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
It is a fact that some cognitive abilities undergo normal, gradual changes as we age. For many, understanding **what type of memory declines in late adulthood** is a significant concern, but it is important to realize these changes do not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
According to a 2024 study, up to 40% of people over the age of 65 may experience some form of memory loss, with a key area of decline being episodic memory. So, which type of memory seems to be most vulnerable to decline as adults age? The answer primarily points to episodic and working memory, which are critical for remembering daily events and temporarily holding new information.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, forgetting recently learned information is often one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. Understanding **what type of memory is affected by dementia** first and how different memory systems decline can help families and caregivers navigate the disease's progression.
While nearly 40% of people over 65 experience some form of memory loss, significant cognitive changes can signal dementia. This guide explains what type of memory function is usually affected first with dementia, helping you identify early signs and understand the progression of the condition.
Research consistently shows that as we age, not all memory functions change equally. The most notable and reliable declines occur in episodic memory and working memory, while other types, like semantic memory, remain largely preserved or can even improve.
According to the National Institute on Aging, some changes in thinking are a normal part of the aging process, but not all memory functions are affected equally. Understanding what aspect of memory is hardest hit in late adulthood is key to distinguishing normal changes from potential issues and empowering yourself with proactive strategies.
Overwhelming evidence shows that the brain undergoes normal, age-related changes, with certain regions being more vulnerable than others. The question of which area of the brain is most affected by aging in terms of memory function points toward two critical regions: the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.
Approximately 40% of adults over 65 will experience some form of memory loss, but this does not automatically indicate dementia. To understand these normal, age-related shifts, we must examine what happens with episodic memory as we get older, distinguishing it from more serious conditions.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Understanding the initial cognitive shifts is crucial for early intervention, and a common question is **what is the first type of memory to decline due to dementia?**
Studies show that episodic memory—the recollection of personal experiences—is the first memory system to show decline in both normal and pathological aging [1.2.1]. Understanding which type of memory is most affected by aging is key to differentiating normal changes from dementia.
