Dementia
8 Differences between Normal Ageing and Symptoms of Dementia
Occasional memory lapses are common as we age, and they don’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. Whilst occasional forgetfulness might mean temporarily misplacing your keys or struggling to find the right word in conversation, dementia involves persistent difficulties that genuinely disrupt daily life. Understanding this difference can bring peace of mind, and when you’re ready to explore this further, we’re here to help.
Age-related changed
Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering later.
Vs.
Dementia
May have trouble remembering people or important dates and appointments. Repeating the same question or asking for the same information again and again.
2. Misplacing items
Age-related changed
Occasionally misplacing things like glasses or keys, but being able to retrace steps to find them.
Vs.
Dementia
Consistently losing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them. Putting objects in unusual places (e.g. the fridge) and/or accusing others of stealing.
3. Problems with visual perception
Age-related changed
Age related vision changes such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Vs.
Dementia
Difficulty judging distance, reading or recognising faces.
4. Problems with walking and mobility
Age-related changed
Muscle weakness and joint problems, increased stiffness and muscle wastage. This can cause problems with walking and standing and result in lose of balance and falling more easily.
Vs.
Dementia
Needing more support to sit or stand and struggling to walk due to changes in the brain. Loss of balance and increased risk of falls.
5. Behaviour/personality changes
Age-related changed
Sometimes getting tired of socialising and feeling a little down or anxious. Occasionally becoming irritable when familiar routines are disrupted.
Vs.
Dementia
Uncharacteristic mood swings for no apparent reason, becoming withdrawn, anxious or suspicious.
6. Time & Place
Age-related changed
Losing track of the day or the day of the week but figuring it out later. Momentarily forgetting why you walked into a room.
Vs.
Dementia
Becoming confused about dates or where they are. Getting lost in familiar places or being unable to recognise their location.
7. Words & Speaking
Age-related changed
Struggling to find the right word. Sometimes having to concentrate more to keep up with a conversation.
Vs.
Dementia
Trouble verbalising thoughts, frequent pauses, repeating themselves or calling things by the wrong name.
8. Poor Judgement
Age-related changed
Missing a bill but being able to sort it out later.
Vs.
Dementia
Making questionable financial decisions, dressing inappropriately for the weather or neglecting personal hygiene.