Forgetfulness Vs. Dementia: How to Tell if It’s Normal Aging or Something More Serious

We’ve all walked into a room and forgotten why or blanked on an acquaintance’s name before. But when these little memory blips start happening more often, it’s natural to wonder if it’s a normal part of aging or an early warning sign of something more serious. That’s especially true if you’re concerned about an aging family member or another older adult. So, when it comes to forgetfulness vs. dementia, how do you tell the difference? We asked the experts to explain what sets normal age-related memory blips apart from signs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease the most common type,  what else can mimic dementia and when it’s time to see a doctor or neurologist.

What’s the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?

Normal aging often involves occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys, not remembering someone’s name, accidentally missing a monthly payment or other minor blips that don’t interfere with your everyday life. 

Dementia, by contrast, involves more persistent, worsening problems like asking the same question over and over again, storing things in the wrong places (i.e., kitchen utensils in the bedroom) or being unable to follow instructions, explains Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, FAAN, MSc, co-founder and chief medical officer at Isaac Health.

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He adds, “forgetfulness is usually something you notice and can work around. With dementia, the changes tend to worsen over time and, by definition, impact daily independence.”

Another difference worth noting is that dementia also deals with behavioral changes. “Apathy, disorientation and declining decision-making skills further differentiate dementia from typical aging,” says Michael S. Valdez, MD, medical director at Detox California.

Lastly, forgetfulness is something people are usually aware of, unlike dementia, where you don’t realize you’re experiencing lapses or cognitive decline (especially as the disease progresses). 

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Other conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms

Several treatable issues can cause symptoms similar to dementia. “These include vitamin B12 deficiency, low thyroid levels, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, certain infections, medication side effects and even dehydration,” says Dr. Salinas. That’s why he says getting checked out is so important—not all memory problems mean dementia, and in some cases, your memory issues can be reversed or improved with proper treatment.

When to see a doctor about memory loss

If you’re worried about developing dementia, you should see a doctor when memory loss starts to disrupt daily life, such as missing important appointments, repeating the same conversations or struggling with simple tasks. 

Dr. Valdez also points to signs like withdrawal from social activities, noticeable mood changes or difficulty managing routines and finances, which may indicate dementia.

If you start noticing something seems off with a loved one, you should also consult a doctor. That can be a significant clue, since the person often won’t recognize these changes themselves. “These aren’t just ‘senior moments’; they may be signs that something deeper is happening,” adds Dr. Salinas. While symptoms can come from many causes, the key is determining whether a neurodegenerative disease is involved.

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How doctors diagnose dementia

Doctors typically use a combination of tools to evaluate dementia, including a neuropsychological assessment, an assessment of your ability to do daily tasks independently, an MRI of the brain and blood tests to look for any other diseases that might mimic dementia or make your thinking worse, explains John Showalter, MD, chief operating officer of Linus Health.

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He notes that the wait time to see a neurologist or neuropsychologist is often nine to 12 months, making it crucial to take action early to help prevent or slow worsening cognitive issues. 

Studies show that over 70 percent of individuals with cognitive impairment decline during that wait, even though clinical trials suggest most could remain stable with lifestyle changes. “It’s vital not to wait for a specialist appointment to start exercising, reducing fat and sugar intake and strengthening your support system— all steps that can help protect brain health,” Dr. Showalter says.

If you are stuck waiting, try looking for appointments in a nearby town or potentially getting on a cancellation list.