Understanding dementia: More than just forgetting

May 26, 2025

What Dementia Is: Beyond Forgetfulness

Let's start by clearing up a common misconception: dementia isn't a single disease, nor a normal part of aging. Think of it as an umbrella term covering any disease that causes a change in memory and thinking skills severe enough to impair daily functioning.¹ It’s about a decline in cognitive abilities beyond the typical "senior moments" some elders experience. When those moments impact daily life significantly-making it harder to handle everyday tasks, remember cherished memories, or even recognize familiar faces - that’s when dementia becomes a concern.¹

Imagine your brain is a network of roads. As we age, those roads get a little more crowded, like during rush hour. Things might take longer, but the information still reaches its destination. That's normal aging. With dementia, it's different - it’s like those roads get blocked by actively growing bushes. The information can’t get through, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and more.²

Recognizing the Signs: More Than Just "Getting Old"

It’s natural to wonder if a loved one's forgetfulness is normal for aging. But when does it cross the line? Here are some signs to watch for:

	Normal aging	Dementia
Memory	Remember important events, family members, and close friends Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys and forgetting an appointment, but remembering later Taking a bit longer to retrieve information¹	Forget recent events, names, and appointments persistently Misplace things and cannot recall May still recall songs and stories from their younger years easily ¹
Thinking and reasoning	Able to solve problems and make sound decisions Difficulty with complex tasks that require rapid shift of attention Maintain the ability to learn new things, although it takes longer ²	Impaired judgment or reasoning Make poor decisions in finance Confused about time, place, and people ¹,²
Language	Maintain the ability to understand and communicate effectively Occasional difficulty finding the right word, e.g., tip-of-tongue moment Speak slightly slower ²	Difficulty finding words, Repeat phrases Struggle to follow conversations¹
Behavior and mood	Maintain a stable mood and personality Maintain social engagement May have occasional mood swings, periods of sadness, or life-change worry ²	Trouble navigating familiar places, or judging distances Difficulty following multi-step directions and solving complex tasks Experience personality shift and may become easily irritable, anxious, or agitated ¹,²

Knowing these facts helps us understand that dementia is a medical condition, not just a natural part of aging. There are over 100 different brain diseases that can cause dementia.

Taking the First Step: Seeking Help and Finding Support

Recognizing these signs is crucial. Early diagnosis can open doors to treatments that may slow the progression of dementia and improve quality of life.² It also allows for better planning and support for your loved one and yourself.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Resources and support systems are available to help you navigate this journey. In future posts, we'll explore specific types of dementia, risk factors, and the support you can access.

A Heartfelt Message

As a caregiver, you're facing immense challenges. Be kind to yourself. Seek support, ask questions, and remember that every moment of care you provide makes a difference.

References

Alzheimer's Association. 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's Association website. Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
National Institute on Aging. Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. National Institute on Aging website. Updated November 17, 2021. Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia

Back to blog

Item added to your cart

Understanding dementia: More than just forgetting

Leave a comment