Decline in memory function was detected in 30% of healthy community-dwelling elderly over 6 years using a task assessing delayed word list recall. Individuals with memory decline over time also demonstrated relative deficits on additional tasks of memory and learning, a task of working memory and executive function, and on a verbal (category) fluency task at their most recent assessment. These relative deficits in the performance of individuals with memory decline cannot be explained by age-related changes, education, intelligence, mood, health-related factors, or the individuals' APOE epsilon 4 status. Decline in memory performance did not result in greater complaints of cognitive difficulties when compared with normal elderly, nor did it limit overall participation in life activities. Although the significance of memory decline in the current study was not determined quantitatively, memory decline is consistent with the early deterioration characteristic of mild cognitive impairment and preclinical Alzheimer's disease and confirms the need to monitor individuals with objective memory decline, even when these individuals fall within normal limits for a given neuropsychological task.