Issues with short-term memory in middle age could be an early warning sign of dementia. New research shows that self-reported memory lapses may indicate a higher risk of the disease later in life.
Early signs of dementia linked to short-term memory problems
Forgetting where you left your keys or struggling to recall your password may seem like minor inconveniences. However, according to a study by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, these memory lapses in middle age could be early indicators of dementia. The researchers found that individuals who reported short-term memory problems had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia in the future.
The study analyzed data from nearly 6,200 participants aged 50 to 75. These individuals had previously rated their short-term and long-term memory abilities as part of a separate study conducted between 2000 and 2002. Over the following 17 years, their health was regularly monitored.
Study findings: Higher dementia risk in midlife
The results revealed that participants who had reported short-term memory issues were up to twice as likely to develop dementia compared to others in the study group. This elevated risk applied even to those aged 50 to 64, meaning that memory problems in midlife could be an important early warning sign. Over the 17-year observation period, 492 participants developed dementia.
Hermann Brenner, the head of the Aging Research Division at DKFZ and one of the study’s authors, explained: “Subjectively perceived short-term memory problems can indicate an increased risk of dementia as early as age 50, many years before a diagnosis is made.”
What is short-term memory?
Short-term memory temporarily stores information, helping us stay focused and attentive in daily life. Important memories are transferred to long-term memory, while irrelevant information is discarded. The majority of short-term memories are quickly forgotten unless deemed significant by the brain.
Depression increases dementia risk
The study also found that individuals experiencing both short-term memory issues and depression had an even higher risk of developing dementia later in life. However, no link was established between long-term memory problems and dementia in the analyzed age groups.
In older adults, it has already been established that issues with both short-term and long-term memory are associated with an increased risk of dementia.
When to seek medical advice for memory issues
Occasional forgetfulness, such as not remembering someone’s name or misplacing your keys, is generally harmless and often resolves itself when the memory is later recalled. However, if forgetfulness worsens over time, if daily tasks become more difficult, or if you struggle with orientation, it may be time to consult a doctor. Being alerted to memory problems by others can also be a sign that further evaluation is necessary.
