Is it forgetfulness or dementia? How to tell the difference

It’s not true that everyone becomes forgetful as they age, however, a level of forgetfulness is a natural part of ageing for many people. As the brain ages, it undergoes structural changes, often causing a decrease in blood flow to the hippocampus – the key area of the brain for memory. 

With 1 in 3 people born today predicted to develop dementia in their lifetime, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, it can be challenging to tell the difference between what’s forgetfulness or dementia – or something else completely.

What is a normal level of forgetfulness? 

Occasional memory lapses are common as we age, and they don’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. Forgetfulness that falls within a normal range often includes:

• Forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later
• Occasionally misplacing items like glasses or keys
• Having trouble finding the right word in conversation but recalling it later
• Momentarily forgetting why you walked into a room
• Missing a bill payment but being able to sort it out afterwards

These types of forgetfulness tend to be mild, infrequent, and not disruptive to daily life. A normal level of forgetfulness can also be associated with stress, fatigue, medication side effects, or even dehydration. Importantly, people experiencing normal age-related forgetfulness can still function independently and recall things with cues or reminders. This forgetfulness doesn’t usually cause disruption, or become dangerous (such as frequently leaving the gas or oven on). 

The early signs of dementia

Dementia, on the other hand, is a progressive condition that eventually significantly interferes with daily life. It’s not just about memory loss – it also affects thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Some early warning signs to look out for include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life – Forgetting recently learned information, repeating the same questions, or relying heavily on memory aids. Forgetting to eat or drink can also be a common symptom at a more progressive stage
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks – For example, struggling to make a cup of tea, use a remote control, or follow a recipe they’ve made for years
• Confusion with time and place – Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, and sometimes becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings
• Problems with language – Struggling to follow a conversation, forgetting common words, or substituting unusual words that don’t fit the context
• Misplacing items in unusual places – Putting everyday items, like keys or wallets, in strange locations (e.g., the fridge) and being unable to retrace steps to find them
• Changes in mood or personality – Becoming withdrawn, anxious, suspicious, or easily upset, sometimes exhibiting uncharacteristic mood swings
• Poor judgment and decision-making – Making questionable financial decisions, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or neglecting personal hygiene

Dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time, affecting an individual’s ability to live independently. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Comparing the difference between dementia and natural memory loss

Here’s a simple way to compare age-related forgetfulness or dementia:

Forgetfulness

• Occasionally forgetting names but remembering them later
• Occasionally misplacing items but retracing steps to find them
• Momentarily forgetting an appointment but remembering later
• Some difficulty finding words but recalling them later
• Making occasional errors when managing finances
• Feeling overwhelmed but making decisions with extra time

Dementia

• Consistently forgetting names and struggling to recall them even with reminders
• Placing items in odd locations and being unable to find them
• Forgetting important events entirely and needing reminders from family or friends
• Frequent difficulty finding words and trouble following conversations
• Struggling to manage bills, forgetting to pay, or making uncharacteristic financial mistakes
• Struggling to make even simple decisions and experiencing confusion about daily tasks

 

The key difference is how much the memory loss disrupts daily life. If forgetfulness is mild and manageable, it’s likely a normal part of ageing. If it significantly affects daily routines, relationships, and independence, it may be dementia.

Seeking support

If you’re concerned about your memory or that of a loved one, the best course of action is to consult a GP or memory specialist. Early diagnosis of dementia can help individuals and their families plan for the future and access the right support.

At Lilian Faithfull Care, we provide specialist dementia care, offering both respite and full-time support in a compassionate and empathetic environment. Whether you need a short break or long-term care for a loved one, we are here to help.

Contact us today for respite or full-time dementia care support

We understand how challenging these conversations can be, and we’re here to support you and your loved one every step of the way. Our dedicated team offers expert dementia care tailored to each individual’s needs, along with advice and guidance for families navigating this journey. For day support, we also have the Secret Garden Hub, a safe and friendly environment for those living with dementia to enjoy a tranquil day out. 

If you’d like to learn about our different care options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to listen, guide, and support you and your loved ones. We can help those living with dementia receive the compassionate care they deserve.