We all experience occasional confusion: A word that slips the mind, a forgotten name, or a key misplaced somewhere else. With age, such phenomena become more common, but in most cases, they are considered part of the normal aging process. This condition is called age-associated memory impairment, and it is natural and does not necessarily indicate disease.
In contrast, dementia is a degenerative disorder that usually begins with mild memory disturbances but gradually worsens and affects daily functioning, independence, and quality of life.
What’s the difference between normal aging and dementia?
• Normal forgetfulness: Mainly relates to distant events—such as childhood details—and only rarely to daily information.
• Dementia: Focuses mainly on recent memory. For example, an inability to remember a conversation that took place the same day or difficulty recognizing people just met.
In addition, dementia is not limited to forgetfulness: It also includes confusion, disorientation, language and comprehension problems, behavioral and mood changes, and even difficulty performing basic tasks.
Professional diagnosis – essential to differentiate
It’s important to know that weak memory alone is not enough to diagnose dementia. Only a qualified physician can determine this after a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
• Review of medical history
• Cognitive tests
• Physical examination
• Sometimes also brain imaging tests to rule out other causes.
Other causes of memory problems
Not every memory issue is related to dementia. There are other factors that can cause confusion or forgetfulness:
• Head injuries or concussion
• Brain tumors or infections
• Thyroid or other vital organ problems
• Side effects of medications
• Depression, anxiety, and mental conditions
• Substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12
When to see a doctor?
There are several signs that require a visit to the doctor for further evaluation:
• Repeating the same questions over and over
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Difficulty managing simple daily tasks
• Decline in self-care abilities
In such cases, it is recommended to consult a family doctor or neurologist for further investigation.
Intermediate stage: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Some people are diagnosed with MCI—Mild Cognitive Impairment. This is a condition in which problems are more noticeable compared to peers, but not severe enough to cause loss of independence. However, MCI can in some cases be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, so medical follow-up is important.
To maintain cognitive function, it is recommended to ensure quality sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental stimulation through learning and brain games. Early diagnosis of memory problems—even if not dementia—can improve quality of life and enable appropriate treatment.