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Understanding the Difference Between Normal Aging Brain and Dementia

January 5, 2024
Lori Horstman
  1. Memory Changes:
    • Normal Aging: It is common for individuals to experience mild forgetfulness as they age. Misplacing keys or forgetting names occasionally is considered a part of the normal aging process.
    • Dementia: Memory loss in dementia is more severe and progressive. Individuals may struggle to recall recent events, forget important dates, and even have difficulty recognizing close family members.
  2. Cognitive Function:
    • Normal Aging: Cognitive decline in normal aging is subtle and usually does't significantly impact daily functioning. Individuals may take a bit longer to learn new information but can still adapt and retain knowledge.
    • Dementia: Cognitive decline in dementia is more pronounced and interferes with daily life. Tasks that were once routine may become challenging, and problem-solving abilities may diminish.
  3. Language Skills:
    • Normal Aging: It's common for older individuals to experience a mild decline in word retrieval and processing speed. This does not typically impede effective communication.
    • Dementia: Language difficulties in dementia include struggling to find the right words, repeating phrases, and difficulty following or joining a conversation.
  4. Decision-Making:
    • Normal Aging: Older individuals may take more time to make decisions, but they can still make sound choices based on experience and accumulated knowledge.
    • Dementia: Decision-making becomes impaired in dementia. Individuals may make poor judgments, have difficulty planning, and struggle to complete familiar tasks.
  5. Independence and Functionality:
    • Normal Aging: While physical abilities may decline with age, individuals can generally maintain their independence and carry out daily activities without significant assistance.
    • Dementia: As dementia progresses, individuals may struggle with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking, eventually requiring increased assistance.