13 Reasons You're Forgetting Things All the Time

Maybe you spend 20 minutes looking for your car keys only to discover that they've been in your pocket the whole time. Or maybe you frequently find yourself in panic while trying to get out the door because you've misplaced your phone yet again. Perhaps it slips your mind that you have dinner in the oven until the smell of burnt food jogs your memory. Whatever it may be, chances are you forget things from time to time—we all do.

However, if your forgetfulness is more of a frustrating impairment than a laughing matter, then you might be experiencing more than just your average mental lapse. It could be a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which affects between 15 percent and 20 percent of people age 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In addition to aging, there are a variety of things that can cause memory problems related to MCI. And since MCI can be an indicator that you are at a greater risk of developing more serious cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia, it's best to know why you are forgetting things. Here are the 13 most common reasons for memory loss. And for more things to look out for when it comes to your cognitive health, check out 40 Early Signs of Alzheimer's Everyone Over 40 Should Know.