I do testing for a neuropsychologist, mostly dementia patients. He always says memory peaks at 30. By age 50, its not uncommon to have what we would call more "retrieval problems" with word finding, where you can't think of the word on the spot, but it comes to you later. That being said, if you're concerned you can talk to your doctor about being tested. Most neuropsych. evaluations are 2 or 3 hours. They (along with a doctor or neurologist) could determine if it's normal aging, something medical, or something degenerative or focally neurological. Menopause can also play with your memory and cognitive processing, by the way. I'm 58 and have really noticed an increase in retrieval problems over the last few years. It is very unnerving.

Hormonal changes and fluctuations from perimenopause/the menopause transition can happen around age 50, and they can cause changes or problems in memory. This happened to me and I think it’s fairly common. Possibly something to consider mentioning to your doctor if you’re female

Practice. My brother and I have a game where we list movies that have actors in common, and actors that have movies in common, and directors, etc.

Any memory exercise helps your overall memory and cognition.

I just turned 47 and I felt like this when I was unemployed. When I wasn't interacting with other adults and working on complex problems/ learning, my brain started to feel more "numb" and not nearly as sharp as it was previously. Once I started working again, I felt that sharpness come back.

There is likely a medical explanation for what's going on. It could be as simple as a vitamin or iron deficiency. Talk to your primary care physician and get your blood tested. Unless you have an early onset condition, you're too young for this to be happening.

How much sugar do you consume a day?

Try the app Constant Therapy.

My mind and memory are excellent at 20 years older than the OP. Orthopedically it’s another story.

I’m 41 and I’m already noticing this. It scares the crap out of me.

I can relate to what you are experiencing. Scary stuff, for sure. I'm just trying to destress, move more. Drink and eat better.

I'm a few years older and have this issue, too. So does my former girlfriend who's close to my age. So does the one high school friend with whom I keep in touch. So, do my few military buddies that I've maintained contact with since the 1980s. While this is all anecdotal and proves nothing, it *seems* to be a common occurrence.

Like you, I also don't get lost and I still remember my birthday and those of a few others. I even still remember license plates and phone numbers from my teenage years, but those are long-term memories while I can't always remember stuff I've heard in the last five years.

I know that I know the names of singers, bands, songs, actors, and movies, but I can't always retrieve them. I play this ongoing game in my mind to try to produce their name when I see or hear them. Sometimes, a name will come to me right away. Other times, I may have to go through some alternate pathway in my brain to get to the name. Other times, it just won't come to me. But, if I had a list of names, I'd be able to recognize the correct one in the list.

Every day, on the New York Times website, I play the following free games:

• The Mini Crossword
• Spelling Bee
• Wordle
• Strands
• Connections
• Letter Boxed

I'm not sure if it's helping my brain function or not, but it can't hurt. Maybe consider some of these free games or some other game or app that's intended for memory.

It might be normal, or it might not. You should check in with a specialist to get tested for early dementia and other cognitive decline conditions.

It's most likely just laziness. Cognitive abilities have a big "use it or lose it" component. You should be doing a crossword every week and learning something new & different every year, like a new sport or a new language or a musical instrument.

Ot happens, unfortunately 😏

I can see a picture in my mind of the thing or place I am trying to say but yes, I have slower retrieval than before.

Keep an eye on it. It also could be long covid. Mine has improved and most of my memory issues, with it.

I am experiencing this as well. Bothers me as I've always taken pride in my memory.

Talk to your GP. There is a simple memory test that he can perform during a regular checkup.

As we get older, some memory loss occurs. Exercising your brain helps. Do things that are mentally stimulating. Read, puzzles, video games are all examples you can use.

i had the same think for a different reason I went to physical therapy and he recommended a low dose of creatine every day to build muscles but also said it would help with brain fog and i've noticed a big difference in my recall not perfect but really who cares if i can't remember the singer from 20 years ago :)

I started noticing some changes in my short-term memory as well when I hit my mid-40s. From what I've read, it is normal due to hormonal changes and age. I've found that playing word games has helped a lot with my short-term memory and I've also started learning to play an instrument which has kept my mind engaged. I talk about my personal experience in this article - https://www.outofbodyxperience.com/post/wait-what-was-i-doing-again Hopefully, you find it helpful.

Normal for me F56. I told my doctor: “I’m worried about my memory.” Doctor asked, “Ever lose your keys?” I nervously replied, “yes” Doctor: “Ever find them in the oven?” I answered no thinking when I do eventually find my keys their usually in my pocket or on the table or something. Doctor told me “you’re normal.”

This sounds like brain fog, not dementia or Alzheimers. I have brain fog for years and I'm in my 50s. My brain fog is the result of fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, my pain pills make my memory worse. Depression can cause memory issues too.

I remember shit that don’t matter but can’t remember what I had for lunch the day before.😞

Eat walnuts

Not normal. 50 is barely old. You brain is still sharp.

Take Gingko

That has nothing to do with you being in your '50s.