Noticing that an older parent has started repeating themselves, or catching yourself blanking on a word mid-sentence raises a question a lot of families worry about: is this just getting older, or the start of something like dementia?
Most of the time, it is the former. Memory changes as we age, and for the vast majority of people, that is all it is. On the other hand, dementia is a medical condition. Knowing the differences between normal ageing and dementia makes the two easier to tell apart.
This article walks through those differences, the signs to keep an eye on, and when to speak to a GP.
Is forgetfulness a normal part of getting older?
For most of us, yes. As we age, the brain changes in small ways. Recall slows down, learning something new can take longer, and it becomes easier to lose your train of thought or misplace your keys. These changes, for most people, are a normal part of ageing rather than a warning sign.
To put it in perspective, around one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and roughly a third of them do not yet have a diagnosis. That means although dementia is far from rare, the everyday forgetfulness so many of us experience is usually nothing more than that.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, followed by conditions such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Each affects people slightly differently, particularly in the early stages.
What sets dementia apart from normal ageing is its impact. For a doctor to consider dementia, symptoms have to be serious enough to interfere with daily life and they tend to worsen over time.
Forgetting where you left your glasses is one thing; losing your way on a familiar journey is another. Recognising the early signs of dementia helps you know when to seek advice.
Normal ageing vs dementia: the key differences
Because the earliest symptoms of dementia can look a lot like ordinary forgetfulness, it helps to compare them side by side. The table below sets out how the same everyday situation might look with normal ageing compared with a possible sign of dementia.
| Everyday situation | Typical of normal ageing | Possible signs of dementia |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Forgetting a name or appointment, then remembering it later | Forgetting recently learned information; asking the same question again and again |
| Everyday tasks | Occasionally needing help with a new phone or appliance | Struggling with familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal or paying the bills |
| Language | Sometimes having to search for the right word | Frequently pausing mid-sentence, or calling things by the wrong name |
| Orientation | Briefly forgetting the day, then working it out | Getting lost in familiar places; losing track of dates or the time of year |
| Judgement | Making the occasional questionable decision | A noticeable decline in judgement, for example around money or safety |
| Mood and behaviour | Feeling low or irritable now and then | Marked changes in mood or personality, or withdrawing from favourite activities |
Age-related changes are frustrating, but they don’t stop someone from getting on with daily life. Dementia symptoms interfere with everyday tasks and steadily worsen over months.
Leaving yourself notes for things you’d normally remember, repeating the same questions or taking over jobs a person used to manage alone are the kinds of changes that warrant a conversation with a GP.
It isn’t always dementia: Other causes of memory problems
Memory problems and confusion are not always caused by dementia. Several other conditions can produce similar symptoms and many of them are treatable.
Common causes include:
- Infections, particularly urinary tract infections, which can bring on sudden confusion in older adults
- Vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid problems
- Stress, anxiety and depression, which can affect memory and concentration in the short term
- Some medications, or a combination of them
- Delirium, which is a sudden state of confusion that comes on quickly and is often mistaken for dementia. It is usually short-lived and reversible once the cause is treated.
Get symptoms checked by a GP, as some of these causes are easily treated once found.
When should you see a GP?
See a GP if memory or thinking problems are starting to affect daily life, if they seem to be getting worse, or if you or those close to you are worried. Sometimes the people around us notice changes before we do, so if a family member or friend raises a concern, take it seriously.
Before the appointment, make a note of the specific changes you have noticed, with examples and rough dates. The Alzheimer’s Society offers a free symptoms checklist that can be useful for explaining your concerns clearly in a short appointment.
Do bear in mind that a checklist is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose dementia, and doing so means ruling out the other causes mentioned above first.
Living well at home after a dementia diagnosis
A dementia diagnosis is difficult news to take in, but it does not mean an immediate move away from home. With the right support in place, many people continue to live well in familiar surroundings, keeping the routines and comforts that matter to them.
Familiarity is especially valuable with dementia. A steady daily rhythm and a consistent, trusted presence can ease anxiety and help someone feel secure as their needs change. For families weighing up the options, specialist live-in dementia care allows a loved one to stay in their own home with one-to-one support, rather than moving into residential care.
Talk to our team today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes. Give us a call today on 01293 224706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
Is dementia a normal part of ageing?
No. While some memory changes are a normal part of getting older, dementia is a medical condition caused by diseases that damage the brain. Many people live into old age without ever developing it.
What is usually the first sign of dementia?
Memory problems are often the first thing people notice, particularly difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. That said, early signs vary between individuals and between types of dementia, and can also include changes in language, planning or mood. Symptoms also tend to develop gradually as dementia progresses through its stages.
Can stress or anxiety cause memory loss?
Yes. Stress, anxiety and depression can all affect memory and concentration in the short term. Because these causes are treatable, mention them to a GP instead of assuming memory problems must be dementia.
At what age does dementia usually start?
Dementia mainly affects people over the age of 65, and the likelihood increases with age. It is not exclusive to older people, though. Young-onset dementia can affect people in their 40s and 50s, which is one reason worrying symptoms should never be dismissed on the grounds of age alone.
Can you prevent dementia?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, but looking after your general health can help reduce the risk. Staying physically active, keeping socially and mentally engaged, not smoking, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure are all thought to support brain health over a lifetime.
