According to Toronto Star medical columnist Dr Nicole Anderson, many older adults mistakenly interpret normal effects of ageing on memory for the onset of Alzheimer’s. While forgetting the names of one’s loved ones may be a sign of dementia, forgetting the names of acquaintances is pretty normal for anyone over 40, she writes.

Dr Anderson lists several contrasting examples of normal and impaired memory function for older adults in addition to offering tips and techniques for keeping your memory and thinking in top shape. Included in the links of her column is a 20-minute online memory test that may be useful in helping you decide if you should consult your physician.