How to Tell the Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia?

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Have you been wondering how to tell the difference between normal aging and dementia? Fortunately, the distinction is a little more noticeable than you might expect. We all have moments or even days where nothing’s quite clicking, almost like our brains are misfiring. You can’t remember what day of the week it is, or you’ve forgotten the word for the TV remote. When we’re young it’s easy to write this off as mere forgetfulness and as we age, moments like this become even more common. Even without dementia. So how can you tell when to seek a diagnosis?

Well, the first main difference is that someone who is forgetful will usually be able to find the information they are looking for. You can check the calendar to learn the date or focus hard enough to remember the word you need. A person with dementia cannot do this. They cannot retrieve that lost information. If you are someone who loses things, your keys for instance, it is usually common to find them in logical places. Between the couch cushions or maybe on a countertop you passed after getting inside. For someone with dementia, items tend to show up in much more unusual places: dog bowls, cabinets, or maybe even in the trash. There can also be some confusion when it comes to decision-making between aging and dementia. An aging person may make a poor decision they come to later regret and avoid, such as loaning money. A person with dementia may continuously loan money to people, forgetting that they have done so already only recently.

If you are interested in learning more, then please pick up a copy of our book “Forget me not” of the best Alzheimer’s and dementia guides on the market. Be sure to also contact us at our website for a more personal look at your situation. Together we can.

[pjpearson]

Awesome common sense answers that helped put my mind at ease. I was worried if, at age 66, I should put my new school and career endeavors on hold. But my mind was put at ease with this video as I realized I simply have normal aging problems and none of the extremes of dementia. Thank you so much for defining the two so clearly! I giggled when you forgot Point 3! HAHA

[chrisjeffries]

Thank you for your knowledge, I am listening.

[ndsoygy]

I followed my 61 year old wife around the house in retirement.
I had known her since she was 8 years old growing up in our village.
I was recording her behaviors for months because I'm highly trained after working psychiatric for 25 years.
Then I wasn't sleeping from worry and I noticed that I was losing words and I'm a movie script writer in retirement.
EVENTUALLY, I realized that Angela was just under stress from working at a stressful Government job for 35 years, taking care of her mother since her dad died in 1993 and she was REALLY STRESSED because I was flollowing her around for a few months recording her behavior.
VERY EMBRASSED !!

[pintsizestories]

I read on a site about dementia that it is important to be aware of change, not necessarily absolute ability. So for instance, when my person was young he had an exceptional memory. Now his memory has declined a lot but because he was starting from such a high point a standard test does not pick up on the decline. I see a big drop in his problem solving abilities but again he was very gifted in that area when he was younger so the decline is not so obvious. I spent a lot of time with my 90+ year old mother and I noticed very little decline in her abilities. She would forget words but could always follow my sentences. My person, twenty years younger, has more issues following my conversation. My mother still did her own income tax at 90 but my person had to give that up at around 60. Still his GP says he's fine.

[keariewashburn]

I absolutely love your videos with these issues. My aunt has korsacoff syndrome. Lot of damage. So, yes it is a big job taking care of people with this condition and as a nurse, you know we take care of that person and there family. This time, with my aunt right now, is really upsetting for me. I guess because it's a family member. I have taken care of a few family members that have passed away now. I'm tired and my own medical conditions are in need of attention as I have put it off to care for others. And, I know better than to do that. Your videos and teaching is wonderful. Thank you 😊

[lisaengland]

Thanks, I will be there twice a week for my loved one . 🥺🤗

[debbiegarza]

I’ve noticed in the past few months when I see an add or sign, my mind is taking a cue & filling it in wrong. I.e., the sign said Grassfed Burger. My mind translated it to Grasshopper Burger. I did catch that it couldn’t be right so re-read it & corrected. But it’s doing it more & more. I’ve also forgottten my son-in-laws name, but just for a moment or two. Should I be evaluated?

[lowens]

Oh my goodness our dad had a key made to his car because we took his keys away! He then drove somewhere and was gone for 2 1/2 hours. We did not know this until today because my niece found a hole in his car! My sister is livid and wants to confront him. Any suggestions on the best way to handle this? We are going to move the car, but this is going to be a disaster!

[tuanjai]

How to get Alzheimer pt. to change cloth & to take a bath?