A reminder: Forgetfulness normal part of daily life

When Joanne Nisker gets together with a group of middle-aged women, failing memory is a frequent topic of conversation.

"Being in meetings with women in their mid-40s and up, it's a running joke," says the 53-year-old volunteer and stepmother of three. "We all discuss it."

Women may discuss it more than men, but forgetfulness affects all middle-aged adults. And real memory loss strikes greater fear in the hearts of aging boomers than physical ailments, experts say.