Memory complaints in otherwise healthy older adults over the age of 50 years are now referred to as age-associated memory impairment (AAMI). This term has been coined by the National Institute on Aging and requires the demonstration of objective memory test performance to be at least one standard deviation below the mean for young adults. Although symptoms can be frustrating or worrisome, people with this complaint (a majority of older adults) do not experience any decline in function.

AAMI and the mildest forms of Alzheimer's disease may appear very similar in a patient's behavior and cognitive abilities. The distinguishing factors between the two impairments are histological and neuropsychological factors that would only be present in Alzheimer's disease.