Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, and Alzheimer's disease can make everyday tasks harder. Some forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. MCI means having more memory problems than other people your age. People with MCI can usually still take care of themselves. They can usually still do their normal activities. Common MCI problems include losing things often and forgetting appointments. People with MCI may also struggle to find the right word. Right now, there is no drug treatment proven to work for MCI.

Alzheimer's disease is different from MCI. It can affect your ability to reason or learn new skills. Over time, daily activities become difficult to complete. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects thinking and memory. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults. People with Alzheimer's may get lost in familiar places. They may repeat the same question again and again. They may not recognize family members or have trouble speaking, reading, or writing. They may stop bathing or eating well. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually they need total care, which can be very stressful for family caregivers. Forgetting how to use a phone can be a warning sign. So can forgetting your way home.

Your care team can run tests on thinking, memory, and language. Some memory problems come from other causes, like reactions to medicines. These causes can sometimes be managed or reversed. Your care team can check for memory changes over time.