Aging is a natural process filled with changes. Some of these changes are completely normal, like a decline in muscle strength. Other times changes can indicate that something is not quite right. Knowing when changes are normal aging vs dementia can mean early interventions and better outlooks for not just the older adult, but also the whole family.
About Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Slight physical and cognitive changes are normal parts of the aging process. Specifically, occasional forgetfulness that does not significantly impact daily life or decision-making capabilities is a normal sign of age-associated memory impairment and often no cause for concern.
When cognitive changes impact quality of life or make daily living difficult, however, it can be a sign that something is not right.
About Dementia-Related Memory Loss
Sometimes memory loss and cognitive changes go beyond normal aging. When memory problems and cognitive decline interfere with daily activities, it could be a sign of dementia.
Common warning signs of dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Association, include:
- Memory loss that impairs day-to-day functioning
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Misplacing things in unusual places
- Difficulty navigating familiar places
- Personality changes
- Difficulty with spatial relationships
Normal Aging or Dementia?
Forgetting names and occasionally putting things in the wrong place is a part of life. What is not a normal part of aging is memory impairment and cognitive decline that affects everyday life.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional when in doubt over whether someone experiences dementia or normal aging. Early detection is key to early treatment, which can slow disease progression.
A cognitive ability assessment is especially worth exploring if a loved one is at higher risk of dementia than the average person.
Risk factors for dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Association, include:
- Old age
- Family history
- Traumatic brain injury
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Social isolation
- Hearing loss
- Sleep disorders
- Medical conditions like high blood pressure/hypertension and diabetes
Aging or Dementia FAQs
What is a key difference between normal aging and dementia?
Both normal aging and dementia can mean some form of memory impairment. What differentiates healthy aging from dementia is whether or not the memory problems are severe enough to impact daily activities.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
“Dementia” is not one specific disease, but an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of conditions and illnesses that impacts memory and cognitive function. Cognitive changes are common symptoms of dementia; exact symptoms can vary based on the type of dementia someone has.
For example, memory loss of recent events is an incredibly common sign of early Alzheimer’s disease. A decline in problem-solving skills, especially the speed at which someone completes tasks, is a common sign of vascular dementia. Frontotemporal dementia is defined by language and behavioral changes whereas motor skill decline and sleep disturbances are hallmarks of Lewy body dementia.
What are the stages of dementia?
Dementia comes in many stages. Experts commonly classify them into the following:
- Early stage. People living with early-stage dementia will notice some difficulty solving problems, regulating emotions, and losing track of objects regularly. Individuals may get easily upset, repeat the same questions over and over, have difficulty paying attention, withdraw from work or social activities, and more.
- Middle stage. As the disease progresses, people will experience greater memory changes that affect problem-solving skills. People will have a harder time navigating familiar spaces, be unable to navigate unfamiliar places, and may experience great difficulty sleeping and communicating with others. Dementia at this stage disrupts daily life so much that the dementia patient cannot live alone safely.
- Late stage. The late stage is when someone experiences significant impairment to mental abilities. The person’s ability to communicate is almost entirely, if not completely, destroyed. A person living with late-stage dementia will need 24/7 care.
What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?
MCI is when someone has not quite developed dementia but experiences symptoms a little beyond the scope of normal aging. Not everyone with MCI goes on to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, but MCI does increase dementia risk.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
It’s important to get a professional evaluation as soon as possible if you suspect a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Early diagnosis means early treatment, which can slow the progression of the disease and help improve your loved one‘s quality of life.
There is no single definitive test that will tell you if your loved one has Alzheimer’s. Instead, a neurologist or other medical professional will conduct a variety of tests and exams to rule out other possibilities. These evaluations often include a cognitive assessment, blood tests, and a medical history review.
What happens if a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis?
If your loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, treatment can begin. While there is no cure for dementia, treatments can help improve quality of life and slow disease progression. Treatment will vary based on the exact type of dementia they have as well as the specific symptoms they exhibit.
Popular dementia treatment options include:
- Clinical trials
- Therapy, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy
- Support groups for the dementia patient and their family members
- Regular physical activity
- Regular socialization
- Managing other health concerns, like hypertension or hearing loss
- Medications prescribed by medical practitioner
- Respite care services to give family caregivers a break
The aging process is full of changes, many of which are no cause for concern. When changes impact daily activities, however, it’s important to know the signs of normal aging vs dementia to help your loved one get the treatment they need to live life fully.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical, financial, tax or legal advice.
Wendy Gores, RN