Normal Memory Changes vs Dementia: When to Reach Out

*An older Black man adjusting his glasses, looking at a laptop screen in confusion.*

Some changes in thinking or memory are a normal part of aging. But when might it be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? If you’re concerned about memory changes in yourself or a loved one, here are some things to consider.

First: Consider Other Factors

Before attributing symptoms to dementia, it’s important to consider other factors that could be affecting your loved one. Sometimes, new medication, stress, seasonal changes, depression, or other health conditions can change a person’s behavior and cause dementia-like symptoms.

Even if dementia isn’t the cause, it’s still worth visiting a doctor if memory or behavior changes are affecting daily life. Working with your loved one’s care team can help identify what’s going on and guide next steps.

Speaking and Conversation

One of the most noticeable early signs of dementia is trouble speaking and holding a conversation. While everyone might forget a word now and then, or slow down a bit as they age, here are a few speech problems that might be an early sign of dementia:

Forgetting or mixing up common words
Struggle to name familiar objects, or use the wrong name (such as calling a watch a “hand-clock”)
Having trouble following or joining a conversation
Repeating the same question over and over

Everyday Behavior

Other signs of dementia might be changes in a person’s everyday mood or behavior. Your loved one might:

Have sudden mood swings or personality changes
Forget how to perform everyday tasks or procedures
Experience lapses in judgment or decision-making skills
Get lost in familiar environments
Put items in the wrong spot (such as putting fruit in the shoe cabinet)

While these might be signs of dementia, it’s important to consider the timing and situation of any incidents. Did Mom just reorganize the cabinets? That could be why she has trouble finding something. Nevertheless, if the issues persist, it may be time to seek help.

Memory and Awareness

Finally, a key difference between dementia and normal aging-related changes is changes in overall memory, and awareness of those changes. A person with normal aging-related cognitive changes might, for example, feel that a word is on the tip of their tongue, or may forget a detail momentarily, but recall it later. They’ll also typically be aware of their own memory gaps.

On the other hand, a person with dementia has difficulties storing new information. They may:

Forget entire conversations
Forget important dates or events
Be unable to recall any details about previous events
Have trouble keeping track of the day of the week, or the passage of time

Most importantly, individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias can struggle to recognize their own cognitive decline, a condition called anosognosia. This is because the regions in their brain dealing with self-awareness are affected by dementia, meaning that they may not understand that there’s a problem at all.

These memory and awareness issues can cause major disruptions in a person’s life, as well as in the lives of those around them. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to reach out for help if they suspect dementia in a loved one, so everyone can work together and plan for support.

Whether your loved one is experiencing dementia or normal aging, there are a whole host of challenges to face. Our aging information and referral specialists are ready to help you. Reach out by calling 617-292-6211, or submitting a referral online by clicking the button below.

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