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If you are over 65 and have noticed a change in your memory, you are not alone. Changes in memory that are not related to a health problem are considered a normal part of aging - your brain just stops working as well. However, the memory problems that come with dementia are different and are not considered a normal part of aging. Dementia is a health problem that needs medical attention. Read the chart below to see the differences in normal memory loss and dementia.
Please note that this table was created by the Alzheimer's Society and is not a diagnostic tool.
| Normal aging | Dementia |
|
Not being able to remember details of a conversation or event that took place a year ago |
Not being able to remember details of recent events or conversations |
|
Not being able to remember the name of an acquaintance |
Not recognizing or knowing the names of family members |
|
Forgetting things and events occasionally |
Forgetting things or events more frequently |
|
Occasionally have difficulty finding words |
Frequent pauses and substitutions when finding words |
|
You are worried about your memory but your relatives are not |
Your relatives are worried about your memory, but you are not aware of any problems |
If you or a friend or family member notices changes in your thinking or memory, you should share this with your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner your doctor knows about your concerns, the more quickly he or she can:
- Rule out other health problems that might be affecting your thinking or memory (e.g. depression, the side effects of some medicines, an infection or other disease that affects the brain).
- Diagnose you with a type of dementia or other memory condition. Once you know your diagnosis, you can understand what is happening to you and what you can do to deal with it.
- Start you on a treatment that works best when your memory problems are mild. Some treatments help to stop some symptoms of dementia and help you live independently for a longer period of time, but these treatments have to be started before the dementia gets really bad.
- Help you plan for the future. As your dementia gets worse, it will be harder or impossible for you to make decisions about what kind of care you get, where you will live, and who will manage your money or make decisions for you. If you know you have dementia, you can start to make those plans now, while you are still able to.
- Tell you whether he or she thinks it is safe for you to keep working, driving your car, or living on your own.
- Help family members learn more, so that they can help you.
Dementia Resources
There are lots of programs and services in the community that help people with dementia and their families. Visit our Dementia and Community Resources page to learn more.