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Within the domain of memory studies, experts advise against undue concern regarding age-related forgetfulness.

Charan Ranganath, a psychology professor at the University of California, Davis, and the author of "Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters," has shared that he often encounters a common inquiry in his role as a memory researcher: "Why am I so forgetful?"

In response, Ranganath distinguishes between two forms of forgetting: the lowercase "forgetting" representing ordinary, everyday lapses in memory, and the capitalized "Forgetting" denoting potentially concerning instances.

Richard Restak, a clinical professor of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at George Washington University and the author of "How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert's Guide to Long-Term Brain Health," has also provided an illustrative scenario to distinguish between ordinary lapses in memory and potentially problematic occasions.

For instance, momentarily forgetting the location of your parked car upon exiting a shopping center is a common occurrence and not cause for alarm. However, if you exit the mall and struggle to remember your purpose for being there or how you arrived, it signifies a more significant form of forgetting, denoted as "Forgetting" with a capital F.

Normal aging processes can lead to mild memory loss, affecting approximately 40% of individuals over 65, according to the Alzheimer's Association. However, this typically doesn't disrupt daily life, as exemplified by Restak's continued professional endeavors at 82. While some cognitive decline is expected with age, certain lifestyle factors exacerbate forgetfulness, such as multitasking and stress.

Ranganath has noted the dynamic nature of memory, dispelling the notion of a static mental archive. He highlighted the role of stress in memory formation, advocating for adequate sleep and stress management strategies.

"When we are under stress, we often have trouble forming new memories," Ranganath said, the South China Morning Post reported.

"The biggest culprit in our everyday life is multitasking. We don't remember things often because we were never there in the first place. We're checking our phones, being distracted by noises on the street and so forth, and all these things really degrade our capability to remember."

As we age, our sleep patterns often shift, resulting in reduced sleep duration, which has a dual impact: fatigue can contribute to forgetfulness, while a restful night's sleep aids in memory consolidation, akin to organizing an archive.

This explains Restak's advocacy for napping, a practice he has honed to precisely thirty minutes, as studies suggest it can mitigate the effects of inadequate sleep. According to Restak, afternoon naps lasting between 30 to 90 minutes, ideally taken between 1 pm and 4 pm, have been correlated with enhanced recall speed.

For individuals grappling with insomnia, incorporating a siesta into their routine can potentially bolster memory performance by ensuring better rest, thus facilitating improved recollection. Ranganath has emphasized the significance of actively utilizing our memories, characterizing them as pivotal drivers behind pivotal life decisions, ranging from career choices and residential preferences to personal beliefs, parenting approaches and social circles.

Restak also recommends lifestyle adjustments, including abstaining from alcohol, addressing sensory impairments, and engaging in intellectually stimulating activities like reading fiction and pursuing personal interests.

"Alcohol is a very, very weak neurotoxin -- it's not good for nerve cells," Restak said.