Dementia
Dementia or Normal Ageing? 8 Key Differences and Behaviour Changes
Not all memory changes are dementia — occasional forgetfulness can be normal.
Dementia involves ongoing changes in memory, thinking and behaviour that gradually disrupt daily life and are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Age-related changes
Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering later.
Vs.
Dementia
May have trouble remembering people or important dates, often repeats questions or information without realising.
2. Misplacing items
Age-related changes
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 and may not remember placing them. Putting objects in unusual places (e.g. the fridge) and/or accusing others of stealing. may not remember placing them.
3. Problems with visual perception
Age-related changes
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 changes
Body changes such as weaker muscles may cause occasional balance or mobility issues.
Vs.
Dementia
Difficulties can include problems with coordination, spatial awareness, or planning movement due to brain changes.
5. Behaviour/personality changes
Age-related changes
Sometimes getting tired of socialising and feeling a little down. Occasionally becoming withdrawn or suspicious without a clear trigger.
Vs.
Dementia
Uncharacteristic mood swings for no apparent reason, becoming withdrawn, anxious or suspicious.
6. Time & Place
Age-related changes
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 changes
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 changes
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.
Behavioural changes in Dementia
As well as changes in memory and thinking, many people with dementia also experience changes in behaviour. These are caused by changes in the brain, confusion, fear, or unmet needs, and are common as the condition progresses.
Repetition and Restlessness
People with dementia may repeat the same questions, stories, or actions many times. They may also pace, fidget, or seem unable to settle.
This happens because memory problems make it hard to remember recent conversations or feel secure in their surroundings. Repetition and restlessness are often signs of anxiety or confusion rather than deliberate behaviour.
➤ Tip: Gently reassuring the person, keeping routines predictable, and offering calm distractions can help reduce distress.
Wandering and Pacing
Some people with dementia feel a strong urge to walk, wander, or leave the house, especially if they feel lost, bored, or unsettled.
They may believe they need to go to work, collect children, or return home — even when they are already there. This can be worrying for families because of the safety risks involved.
➤ Tip: Creating a safe environment, using clear signage, and maintaining regular daily routines can help reduce wandering behaviour.
Sundowning and Evening Confusion
Many people with dementia become more confused, anxious, or unsettled in the late afternoon and evening. This is known as “sundowning”.
Symptoms may include restlessness, mood changes, agitation, or difficulty settling for the night. Fatigue, low light, and changes in routine can all make symptoms worse.
➤ Tip: Keeping evenings calm, ensuring good lighting, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine may help ease evening distress.
Agitation and Aggression
As dementia progresses, some people may become easily frustrated, angry, or upset. This can sometimes lead to shouting, arguing, or physical aggression.
These reactions are often caused by fear, pain, discomfort, or difficulty expressing needs. The person may not understand what is happening around them and may feel threatened.
➤ Tip: Staying calm, speaking gently, and trying to identify possible triggers can help reduce agitation and prevent situations from escalating.
Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia
Some people with dementia may see, hear, or believe things that are not real. They may become suspicious, accuse others of stealing, or believe people are trying to harm them.
These experiences can feel very real to the person and may cause significant distress. Arguing or correcting them directly often makes things worse.
➤ Tip: Instead, offering reassurance, listening with empathy, and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen can be helpful.
Need more help with behaviour changes?
Read our full guide to understanding behaviour changes in people living with dementia.