Normal Aging vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference?

Many of us may feel a little fuzzy around the edges some days, but it’s often just part of the normal aging process. But you should take the time to identify the differences between normal forgetfulness and memory loss caused by dementia. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of dementia to help you determine the differences between normal aging versus dementia.

What Is Aging?

There’s a big difference between dementia and the normal process of aging. Normal aging usually starts to show signs in people around age 65. These signs may include a decrease in energy, problems with hearing or vision, and memory changes. However, normal aging does not affect the brain.

What Is Dementia?

Conversely, dementia is a much more severe condition that affects the brain. Damage to the brain tissue—resulting from several different factors, such as strokes, head injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease—causes dementia. Dementia can then cause problems with thinking, memory, and communication and also lead to changes in mood or behavior.

Dementia symptoms generally get worse over time and can lead to severe problems with daily life. The person may forget things such as important dates or the location of household items. They may also have trouble finding simple words or forget what they just said or did moments before. Memory loss is often one of the most noticeable signs of dementia.

Symptoms of Dementia

If you’re worried that you or a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, it’s essential to know what to look for. Some common symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss
• Problems with thinking and reasoning
• Confusion about time or place
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others
• Withdrawal from activities and socializing
• Failure to take care of oneself, such as forgetting to bathe or eat
• Changes in mood or behavior. You may notice that your loved one seems sad, anxious, or irritable for no apparent reason. They might also appear frightened by something that usually wouldn’t bother them at all.

When To Get Help

So when it comes to odd behavior brought on by normal aging versus dementia, what’s the difference? The bottom line is that there’s a big difference. Both conditions can cause memory loss, problems with thinking, and changes in mood or behavior, but the effects of these conditions on daily life vary greatly. If you’re worried that you or a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, it’s essential to get to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you get ahead of the issue and learn how to live with dementia and manage its effects.