As we age, we seem to ask ourselves this question with more frequency. We misplace keys. We can’t think of a word or recall the name of an acquaintance. Committing a new task to memory seems difficult. How do we know if our forgetfulness is a symptom of getting older or if we’re experiencing dementia? Let’s have a look at how forgetfulness and dementia differ.
AGE-RELATED FORGETFULNESS | DEMENTIA | |
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WHAT IS IT? | Aging bodies mean changes in capabilities (including in the brain). | Progressive, degenerative condition that has multiple forms. Types of dementia include but aren’t limited to: Vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and Alzheimer’s diseases. See stages of dementia here. |
CONSIDERED “NORMAL” OR POSSIBLE (Different Individuals Will Have Different Symptoms) |
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ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS | Forgetfulness can be caused by other disease, not just dementia. | Many diseases of the brain can lead to dementia. These include but aren’t limited to: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Wernicke-Korsakoff |
DIAGNOSIS | What to do: Rule out dementia and see “Treatment Options” below | Diagnosis requires a physician, bloodwork, and scans. There may be testing to “rule out” other diseases as the cause in mental change. |
LANGUAGE CHALLENGES |
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VISUAL AND SPATIAL SKILLS |
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BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS |
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PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS |
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TREATMENT OPTIONS |
Focused on maintaining quality of life.
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Focused on alleviating symptoms, not curing.
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Still concerned? Talk to your doctor about ruling out dementia. Take a list of the reasons why you feel concerned so there is something tangible to review.
Here’s to life to the fullest,
Tiffany Rubin, Governing Board Member
Resources:
4 Steps to Understanding a New Diagnosis
What’s the Difference?: Age-Related Memory Loss vs. Dementia (presbyterianhomes.org)
Senile or Old Dementia – Differences Between Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Senility
The Truth About Aging and Dementia
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