Why do I forget things so easily? I feel like an idiot sometimes.

As Baby Boomers hit midlife, a great deal of research is being done to understand memory loss, though researchers have yet to find definite answers. We know that almost everyone who lives into their 90s will experience some decline of short term memory and some will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It's important to distinguish between the kind of forgetfulness that occurs during menopause ? resulting from hormonal changes, insomnia and stress ? from dementia. The former will pass as menopausal symptoms do. The latter will increase as you age. A visit to a neurologist will help you make that distinction. In either case, "feeling like an idiot" because you are forgetful is an attitude that is unnecessarily critical. Instead, try getting through this challenging stage by using tips for remembering. Make lists, use a notebook for organizing events and lower your stress level. Most importantly, be empathic toward yourself!