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In a 2024 study, researchers found that the short-term brain boosts people receive after doing moderate to vigorous exercise can last 24 hours.

Many people worry about occasional memory lapses that occur as they get older. To cope, it helps to talk to a doctor and also reduce stress by following healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and meditating. Using strategies to help retain information is also important. Examples include placing keys in a designated spot, taking medication at the same time each day, and using notebooks—not just memory—to organize and store information for fast retrieval.

Sudden memory lapses could be natural aspects of aging or early signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). With MCI, memory loss is noticeable but usually does not impede the ability to carry out daily functions. A screening test from a doctor or more advanced testing (such as brain MRI or PET scans) from a neurologist can help identify potential cognitive problems so people can seek appropriate treatment.

At some point, most older adults experience the occasional "senior moment" where they misplace an everyday object, lose their train of thought during a conversation, or forget why they walked into a room. Memory lapses like this are part of normal aging, but the problem can be exacerbated by issues like depression, stress, poor sleep, and medication side effects. If these episodes become so frequent or substantial that they interfere with a person's daily life or safety, it's time to see a doctor.

When ADHD persists through early adulthood into middle age, it presents many of the same challenges it does in childhood, but with added pressures from the busier pace of life and expectations from work and family. Fortunately there are strategies that can help you navigate this condition.

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

A 2023 study found that people who engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise an average of four days a week had more brain mass in regions associated with cognitive skills like memory and learning, compared with people who did not exercise.

Mnemonics are techniques for recalling information. One type of mnemonic is called "look, snap, connect," which uses visualization, word association, and storytelling to help solidify a memory so people can recall it later.

Staying socially active is associated with cognitive benefits and may play a role in longevity, stress reduction, and controlling mood. If a person has been out of touch with friends for a long time, one way to restart contact is to send a brief message asking how they're doing or recalling a shared activity. If the person reciprocates, the next step might be to suggest a meeting, ask to get together, or schedule a catch-up phone call or video chat.