Dementia, Not a Normal Part of Growing Old

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are not a part of normal aging. Normal aging may lead to some memory problems, but it is not the same as dementia.

Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some sort of memory loss, and there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss. This memory loss is known as “age-associated memory impairment.”

But brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are totally different. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Yes but your chances of developing disorders do increase greatly with the age.

Dementia means there has been a decline in cognitive functioning, for example memory, attention and executive functions like planning, organization, etc. And there are severe enough to cause problems in people’s ability to do things independently such as driving, paying bills, etc.

SEE ALSO: Principles of Communication with People with Dementia

Age associated memory impairment and dementia can be told apart in a number of ways. We have gathered a few points to discriminate both. Please note that this is not a diagnostic tool.

Some tips for coping up with the normal age related memory impairments.

Keep a routine

Keep your information organized (have habit of keeping details in calendar or day planner)

Put your things in the same spot (like keeping keys in the same spot)

Repeat information (repeat names when you meet people)

Run through alphabets in your mind to help you remember a word

Relate new information to things you already know

Involve senses. If you are a visual learner, visualize an item.

Teach others or tell them stories

Get a full night sleep

Learn more about dementia and their precautions. If you are worried about your memory, talk to your neurologist.