Is this a sign of normal ageing or indicative of dementia?

It is a common occurrence to become more forgetful as we age. However, for individuals with dementia, the changes in memory can have a profound impact on their daily lives. Let’s explore how dementia alters memory and cognition, and the unique challenges it presents for those affected.

Table of Contents

What distinguishes normal ageing from dementia?

As we age, we may begin to experience changes in our cognitive abilities. While these changes can be challenging, they are a natural aspect of the aging process. It is important to note that dementia is not a typical part of aging.

Dementia represents a severe decline in cognitive function. For a healthcare provider to diagnose dementia, the individual’s symptoms must significantly impact their daily life. This can manifest as difficulties in completing routine tasks at home, in the community, or at work.

Common signs of ageing

As individuals age, it is common for memory to decline. This is typically a normal part of the aging process. If memory issues are only mildly bothersome and do not interfere with daily activities, they are unlikely to be indicative of dementia.

For instance, many individuals may experience the following as they grow older:

Difficulty recalling the names of unfamiliar individuals
Slower processing of new information
Misplacing items like keys or glasses
Forgetting occasional appointments or birthdays
Struggling to find the right words during conversations
Facing challenges with new technology
Needing more time to think through tasks

It is important to note that for most people, these memory lapses are not early signs of dementia.

Symptoms of dementia

Dementia is a complex condition characterized by a variety of symptoms, resulting from damage to the brain caused by various diseases.

These symptoms typically start off mild but progressively worsen over time. Common signs of dementia include:

memory loss
confusion requiring assistance with daily activities
difficulties with language and comprehension
alterations in behavior.

Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain.

The distinction between typical ageing and dementia

The following tables outline the primary symptoms associated with the two most prevalent forms of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Individuals afflicted with these conditions are likely to exhibit some, if not all, of these symptoms.

Less common forms of dementia, such as dementia with dementia (DLB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), may share certain symptoms with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. However, their primary symptoms differ and are not included in the tables provided.

It is important to note that the symptoms listed in the tables may also be indicative of other health conditions. Therefore, it is not advisable to use these tables as a means of self-diagnosing dementia in yourself or others.

It is crucial to seek a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional to accurately determine the presence of dementia.

Memory and new information

Common signs of ageing

Possible symptoms of dementia

Forgetting information that was shared with you some time ago.

Misplacing items like your phone, glasses, or the TV remote is also a frequent occurrence, but you can usually find them by retracing your steps.

it may take longer to figure out how to complete new tasks, such as setting up and using a new appliance or device.

Experiencing memory lapses, such as forgetting information that was recently shared with you or repeatedly asking for the same information, like whether the doors are locked.

Misplacing items in unconventional locations, such as storing your house keys in the bathroom cabinet.

Struggling to grasp new concepts or tasks, such as configuring and operating a new appliance or device.

Planning and decision-making

Common signs of ageing

Possible symptoms of dementia

Take longer when planning but be able to think things through.

Struggle with multitasking but skilled at focusing on a single task at hand.

At times, making decisions impulsively without considering all factors, but adept at managing overall budgets, even if occasionally make mistakes with new payments.

Experiencing confusion when attempting to plan or strategize.

Difficulty maintaining focus on a singular task.

Making impulsive decisions when handling finances or assessing risks. Struggling to effectively manage recurring payments, budgets, or monthly bills.

Language (speech and conversation)

Common signs of ageing

Possible symptoms of dementia

At times, grappling to find the precise word, only to recall it later.

Requires a heightened level of concentration to actively participate in a conversation, but once fully engaged, one can easily contribute.

Experiencing distractions or multiple voices speaking simultaneously can lead to losing track of the discussion.

Struggling with finding the appropriate words or frequently resorting to vague descriptions of objects.

Having trouble engaging in conversations.

Consistently having trouble comprehending others’ speech even in the absence of distractions.

Orientation (having a sense of time and place)

Common signs of ageing

Possible symptoms of dementia

Experiencing temporary confusion about the day or week, only to resolve it later.

Navigating through unfamiliar surroundings and successfully finding your way to your destination.

Experiencing temporary confusion about the day or week, only to resolve it later.

Navigating through unfamiliar surroundings and successfully finding your way to your destination.

Vision and perception (understanding what is being seen)

Common signs of ageing	Possible symptoms of dementia
Experiencing misty or cloudy vision can be attributed to cataracts or other eye-related changes.	Struggling to interpret visual stimuli can be a common challenge. This may manifest as difficulty in accurately gauging distances while navigating stairs or mistaking reflections or patterns for actual objects.