Not all memory loss is caused by dementia, however, there are some red flag signs that should prompt seeking medical help
Experts have shared four key signs that memory loss could be dementia, rather than typical ageing. If you notice these symptoms you should seek medical support.
Dementia is a syndrome, or a group of associated symptoms, linked to the progressive decline of the brain. Most common in people over the age of 65, it can lead to memory loss, personality changes, and issues with speech among other problems.
While these symptoms are well known, it is not always clear when symptoms are linked to dementia. This is due to the fact that they could be easily mistaken for standard signs of getting older.
With this in mind, experts at the Alzheimer Society in Canada explained how to distinguish between dementia and ageing. Firstly, they advised that memory changes in most cases are not something to worry about.
“Almost 40 percent of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old,” they said. “But even if we experience memory loss, chances are still unlikely that we have dementia.
“For the most part, our memory loss is mild enough that we can still live our day-to-day lives without interruption.” In contrast, five to eight percent of people over the age of 60 will develop dementia.
“With dementia, symptoms including memory loss gradually worsen to the point where our abilities seriously deteriorate and we are no longer able to take care of ourselves,” they continued.
“Why is there such a difference in the percentage of people experiencing memory loss and the percentage of people living with dementia? To put it simply, there are different levels of memory loss – and not all memory loss is due to dementia.”
“So how can you tell which is which?” The charity shared four signs your memory loss is linked to dementia and not ageing. These are, when your memory loss is severe to the point where:
- It’s affecting your daily life and ability to stick to your normal routine
- You’re finding it difficult to learn new things
- You’re finding it difficult to complete tasks you’re familiar with
- Others close to you are also starting to notice changes in your abilities.
If you experience these, “then your memory difficulties line up with what people commonly experience in the early stage of dementia,” it said.
However, if you are experiencing difficulties with memory with the following then it is likely age-associated memory impairment:
- They are not noticeably disrupting your daily life
- They are not affecting your ability to complete tasks as you usually would
- You have no difficulty learning and remembering new things
- There’s no underlying medical condition that is causing your memory problems.
The charity added: “Age-associated memory impairment is considered to be a normal part of aging. It doesn’t mean you have dementia.
“Though you may have difficulties remembering things on occasion, like where you left your keys, a password for a website or the name of a former classmate, these are not signs you have dementia. You may not remember things as quickly as you used to, but most of the time there is no cause for concern.”
The NHS lists common early warning signs of dementia as:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
Although there is no cure for dementia, there are treatments and support available to help ease symptoms. If you or someone you know experiences any signs of dementia you should speak to a GP.
