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Originally Posted by g.willikers
Do the things we learn and know from our earlier years stay with us longer as we get older?
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Well, in general, yes.
But the kind of mental deterioration you're describing isn't something that happens automatically as part of the aging process. It's a symptom of some underlying condition: Alzheimer's, a stroke, changes related to alcohol consumption... quite a few other possibilities.
So it's not something to fear as inevitable, but it's good to be aware of the possibility, and to seek medical attention if you think something's amiss. A friend did this last year after she ran a couple of stop lights, had a couple of other "brain farts." She talked to her doc, who referred her to a neurologist and a shrink. They found she was a teeny bit impaired (likely the result of a concussion and aftereffects of general anesthesia she'd had a few months back). Put her on some meds, suggested some changes in her diet... several months later, she's fine.
Lesson: be aware of any changes (and listen to friends and family if they're concerned), and don't be afraid to go to the doctor.