As we reach different milestones in our life, our cognitive abilities can experience varying changes—some that we may notice, some that we may not. One of the most common concerns with regards to cognitive changes is changes in memory and recall. While it is natural to experience changes in them as we age, understanding when those changes are part of normal aging versus when they may signal something more serious, like dementia, is important for maintaining cognitive health.
There are differences between normal memory changes and dementia, and while it’s not something you should navigate without medical support, you can definitely help yourself by recognizing changes that others might not or even sharing them with those around you so they can take notice while you cannot. There are ways to maintain cognitive health and many helpful tips on what to do if you or a loved one begins to experience troubling memory issues.
Normal Memory Changes vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference?
Memory changes are considered a normal part of life as we age. There is, however, a difference between normal memory changes and those that are a result of conditions such as dementia.
Normal memory changes
The memory changes that we experience as we age are mild, meaning they do not interfere with day-to-day life in a significant manner. Examples of these may include the forgetting of names or losing your keys more than you did before, but you are able to recall the information after some time has passed. Here are some other memory changes that are considered ‘normal’:
- Simple forgetfulness: forgetting someone’s name right after meeting them or misplacing items like glasses or keys.
- Slower recall of information: It may take a little longer to remember certain words or facts, but once you focus, the information usually comes back.
- Multitasking challenges: The older we get, it can become harder to multitask, and this is a common change and does not indicate any severe cognitive decline.
Normal memory changes are generally minor, do not disrupt daily activities, and do not progress over time. These changes, though, are part of normal cognitive aging and are a sign of your brain adapting to time passing.
Dementia is a much deeper concern.
Symptoms of dementia are not considered to be ‘normal’ in a medical setting. The condition causes symptoms that significantly impact daily life and is usually caused by a disease that affects the brain. The most common causes of dementia include conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. The signs of dementia in these cases go beyond occasional forgetfulness and tend to worsen over time. There are some primary differences between normal memory changes and dementia.
- Memory loss that impacts daily life: Forgetting important information, such as appointments or personal details, that disrupts daily routines.
- Communication difficulty: This can mean often struggling to find the right words or forgetting what you were saying mid-conversation.
- Instances of confusion and disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or becoming disoriented about the time of day, date, or location.
- Sudden mood and personality changes: Significant mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability are some of the common symptoms. Those that have dementia may also withdraw socially and show less interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Impaired judgment and decision-making: Making poor decisions, such as giving away large sums of money or failing to recognize dangerous situations. These symptoms can interfere with the ability to live independently and may require care and assistance from family members or professionals.
What are the causes of Dementia?
Dementia is a common consequence of underlying diseases that affect the brain—diseases that have the ability to damage brain cells and complicate communication between them.
- Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common cause of dementia, which leads to the gradual loss of memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Vascular dementia: This condition is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the brain, usually after a stroke. This type of dementia can lead to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.
- Lewy body dementia: Characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, this condition can cause memory problems, visual hallucinations, and motor issues similar to Parkinson’s disease.
- Frontotemporal dementia: This type involves the shrinking of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to personality changes, speech problems, and difficulty with motor skills.
How To Maintain Your Cognitive Health
While completely avoiding changes in memory as we age can be challenging, there are steps that you can take to make sure that you can help maintain your cognitive health. Including some health habits that recharge your brain can make a significant difference in maintaining your brain’s health and elasticity.
- Keep it moving: Exercising regularly improves brain blood flow, which in turn supports the growth of new brain cells. Easy-to-do activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga are great ways to keep the body and mind healthy.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats significantly supports brain function. Include foods that are high in antioxidants, like berries, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, in your diet—they benefit memory and cognitive health.
- Keep your brain stimulated: Activities such as solving puzzles, learning a new language, starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even reading a book can help keep your brain active and stimulated. They also help in maintaining and building your cognitive reserves and delay the onset of any cognitive decline.
- Talk to people: Being socially active is said to be important for cognitive health. Being around and socializing with family, friends, or those in your community helps you not only reduce stress but also maintain your emotional well-being.
- Sleep quality: If it’s not been said enough, sleep is the key to almost all our health concerns. But when it comes to memory, the brain works when you are resting. Getting enough sleep is important for memory consolidation and brain function. Ideally, you should sleep for 7-9 hours each night.
- Stress management: Chronic stress has a negative impact on memory and brain health. Doing activities such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help manage stress.
When Should You Go Visit Your Doctor
As you age, if you or anyone around you starts to notice concerns in your memory changes—such as remembering important details, confusion, or changes in mood or behavior—it is recommended that you consult your general physician.
Early intervention is said to significantly help manage and treat conditions like dementia more effectively. Your doctor may recommend quick but effective tests, such as blood work, brain imaging, or cognitive assessments, to diagnose the underlying cause of memory concerns.
How can I prevent dementia symptoms?
No, there is no actual way to prevent dementia, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and stress management can help reduce the risk and delay the onset of cognitive decline. Understanding the symptoms can definitely help with early detection, which can delay the progress and the pace of the disease-causing dementia.
What are the first signs of dementia to watch for?
Early signs of dementia can include memory loss that affects daily activities, difficulty in communication, confusion, and changes in mood or personality. It’s important to seek medical advice if you notice these symptoms.
Are there any medications that can improve memory in seniors?
There are medications available that can help manage symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline, but they cannot cure these conditions. To understand what will help you manage your symptoms, getting diagnosed by visiting your general care physician is important. They will help you understand your diagnosis, its causes, and how to prevent worsening symptoms and maintain current ones.
Can lifestyle changes help improve memory?
Yes, it most definitely can—regular workouts, a healthy and balanced diet, mental stimulation exercises, and proper sleep can significantly improve memory and cognitive function, even in seniors.
How can family members help loved ones with dementia?
Family members can help with emotional support, daily tasks such as going to regular places, create a safe and structured environment, and assist with medications. It’s also important to educate yourself about dementia so you can help with better care and understanding.
By recognizing the difference between normal memory changes and the symptoms of dementia, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining cognitive health. It’s important to seek guidance from healthcare professionals when needed and implement lifestyle changes that promote mental well-being. The key to cognitive health lies in understanding the changes and adopting practices that keep the mind sharp and active.