Noticing Memory and Movement Changes in an Aging Parent

This page was written automatically by AI and checked by software against its sources. No human edited it.

Published October 18, 2026

Some slowing in memory can come with age, but certain changes are worth noticing. If you or your parent are worried, seeing a health care provider is a sensible step.

What may be part of growing older

As people grow older, it may take longer to remember things. Taking a little longer to recall something is one change that may come with age.

Changes worth noticing

Some changes go beyond that. Here are a few to watch for in your parent.

• An older adult who forgets things more often than others the same age may have mild cognitive impairment.
• Forgetting how to use a phone or find the way home may signal a more serious problem.
• Certain types of dementia can cause problems with balance and movement.

When to suggest talking to a doctor

Someone who is worried about forgetfulness should see a health care provider. You can gently offer this idea to your parent if you notice the changes above.

On the movement side, regular exercise may lower fall risk by strengthening muscles, improving balance, and keeping bones strong.

This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For your own situation, talk to a doctor or another qualified professional. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Where to get help

United States

• Eldercare Locator — Care and support services · Phone: 1-800-677-1116
• STEADI — Older Adult Fall Prevention — Falls and home safety

United Kingdom

• Dementia symptoms — Memory and dementia
• Falls — prevention — Falls and home safety

Australia

• My Aged Care — Care and support services

Sources

1. Memory — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus), retrieved October 18, 2026
2. Dementia — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus), retrieved October 18, 2026
3. Falls: MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus), retrieved October 18, 2026
4. Preventing Falls and Hip Fractures — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retrieved October 18, 2026

Based on information from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus); rewritten and translated by AI.

Use of this material does not imply endorsement by CDC, ATSDR, HHS or the United States Government.

The original is available free of charge at cdc.gov.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.