Age-related forgetfulness vs. dementia
Forgetfulness, like forgetting where the car keys are or having slower memory recall, can be a normal part of aging. Serious memory loss, such as being unable to have a conversation and losing track of the date or year, can be signs of dementia, which is not a normal part of aging. Knowing the differences can help you and your loved one get the right care if they need it.
We all forget things sometimes: not remembering where you put your car keys, forgetting the name of a famous actress in a movie, forgetting how to spell “receipt.”
When your older adult parent or loved one forgets something, many people worry that something is wrong or that it’s the first sign of dementia.
As a caregiver, knowing the difference can help you understand what’s normal and what you should talk to a doctor about.
What is dementia?
“Dementia” is an umbrella term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities such as driving, using the phone, or eating.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but all types have one thing in common: they are progressive, meaning the dementia can worsen over time. Serious memory problems such as dementia are not a normal part of aging.
How doctors diagnose vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and other types
Once your loved one sees a doctor, the doctor will likely follow a process to diagnose the specific type of dementia and understand how it's affecting them.
Whether it's vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, or another type, the diagnostic process may include:
Reviewing family medical history
Performing a physical examination
Gathering laboratory tests
Completing a neurological examination and cognitive testing
Using brain imaging
Doctors will likely begin by reviewing your family medical history for dementias and related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or frontotemporal dementia.
Next, your loved one may undergo a physical examination and several diagnostic tests. The doctor will ask about their lifestyle and symptoms, and blood and urine samples are often collected for laboratory testing. An early diagnosis may be made.
A doctor may also conduct a neurological examination to evaluate your loved one for signs of memory impairment or memory loss. Brain imaging is sometimes completed along with the neurological examination.
If you're worried that you or a loved one may be developing dementia or early onset Alzheimer's disease, make a doctor's appointment to discuss your concerns. An early diagnosis could make a meaningful difference for you and your family.
If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point that they need memory care, look for senior living communities that specialize in supporting people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Talk with your loved one
If you have concerns about your loved one’s memory, take the time to have a conversation about how you’re feeling. This gives your loved one the chance to share their thoughts, too. Together you can talk about getting professional advice and share plans about long-term care.
Schedule a Care Plan
Are you unsure if your loved one needs extra support? A Care Plan is a personalized recommendation for care, giving you the guidance you need to create a better path forward.
Expert reviewed by
Jessica Donahue, LICSW
Jessica Donahue is a licensed clinical social worker whose career has concentrated on improving quality of life as we age with a special focus on dementia care and supporting caregivers.
Written by
Brian Dowd
Brian is writer based in New England. He is a passionate storyteller with a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. He joined CareScout as a Senior Content Writer in 2024. Before that, he worked as a content writer in the senior living industry and worked for several years as an assi...
