It’s common for mild forgetfulness to arise as someone ages. But how can you tell the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and dementia?
This article explains the differences between normal aging and symptoms of dementia. If you have concerns, it’s important to reach out to a medical professional to get an accurate assessment.
How to tell if it’s dementia or just old age?
While the early stage of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is commonly mistaken for normal age-related forgetfulness, there are a few key signs in those who develop dementia.
- Gradually worsening memory problems
- Difficulty with complex routines
- Consistent poor judgment
- Acting out of character
- Trouble with following and joining conversations
The key difference is that memory issues due to normal aging are minor and don’t impact daily life or relationships. Reaching out to a doctor for professional evaluation can provide clarity on if you or your loved one might have a form of dementia.
Is dementia often mistaken for normal aging?
Unfortunately, the early stages of dementia are often assumed to be a result of normal aging, which can prevent an early diagnosis.
Getting an early diagnosis allows you to plan for future care and financial security, gain clarity on whether the symptoms are from reversible causes, and make lifestyle adjustments that can slow the progression and preserve brain functions.
If you have concerns that your forgetfulness isn’t due to normal aging, consult a medical professional to gain insight into whether your symptoms could be from dementia or other medical conditions.
What is the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease?
In the beginning, Alzheimer’s disease presents symptoms similar to those of natural aging. Forgetting where you placed your keys does not mean you have Alzheimer’s disease, but there are key distinctions that older adults should be aware of.
- Normal aging brings misplaced items or forgotten names, while Alzheimer’s disease causes one to forget recent information and familiar places.
- Normal aging poses minor concentration and processing problems, but Alzheimer’s disease brings difficulty with judgment, planning, and familiar tasks.
- It’s normal to have mood shifts or lose interest in certain activities as you age, but someone with Alzheimer’s disease will show agitation, withdrawal, or major personality changes.
As a rule of thumb, see a doctor if you notice persistent memory lapses or impaired cognitive function.
What’s the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and dementia in daily life?
To someone who doesn’t know what to look for, dementia symptoms can be easily excused as normal age-related forgetfulness. The early signs of dementia are very similar, but a few subtle differences can indicate a need to see a doctor.
For normal aging:
- Memory lapses are mild and occasional
- Personality generally remains the same
- Getting lost is common, but quickly corrected
- Daily tasks pose no issues
- Forgetting words in conversation is infrequent
People with dementia might:
- Forget recent conversations or names of family members
- Develop personality changes like agitation or paranoia
- Get lost in familiar places
- Struggle with self-care and everyday routines
- Lose their train of thought or repeat themselves in conversations
If you notice any of the latter signs, make sure to see a doctor and get an early diagnosis, as this allows for early changes that might slow the progression.
What diseases cause dementia besides Alzheimer’s?
Dementia isn’t always caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to avoid self-diagnosis and consult a doctor.
Common types of dementia include:
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by poor blood flow to the brain, damaging brain cells.
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Due to abnormal protein deposits, or Lewy bodies, in the brain.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): Dementia affecting the frontal and temporal lobes.
- Parkinson’s Disease: After motor decline, people with Parkinson’s disease can develop dementia.
- Huntington’s Disease: A disorder that leads to the breakdown of nerve cells and can escalate to dementia.
What lifestyle changes can support cognitive health?
To support brain health, take a holistic approach and include healthy habits in your lifestyle to promote cognitive health long-term.
Ways to promote cognitive health:
- Healthy diet: Eat heart-healthy foods, limit sugar and saturated fats, and drink plenty of water.
- Physical activity: Prioritize at least 2.5 hours of cardio exercise per week to promote healthy blood flow to the brain. Additionally, balance and strength exercises can prolong ease of movement.
- Social Activities: Regular social interaction strengthens cognitive function and reduces stress. Activities like escape rooms or book clubs promote deep thinking and challenge the brain.
- Healthy sleep: Inconsistent or minimal sleep slowly damages the brain. Aim for quality sleep and avoid blue light before bed.
Memory Care Services for Seniors at The Manor Village
The onset of dementia doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality of life. At the Manor Village, we provide engaging activities, ongoing medical care, and private suites for our residents in Memory Care.
If you or a loved one need specialized, personal care in a supportive environment, schedule a tour of our facility today!
