Dementia ≠ Normal Aging: What’s the Difference?

Forgetting a name, misplacing your keys or occasionally struggling to remember a word can all happen as we get older.

But which changes in memory are a normal part of the aging process? And what changes could mean something more?

Age-associated memory changes can include

• Forgetting where you left something occasionally

• Forgetting details of events that happened a year ago

• Having difficulty remembering the name of an acquaintance
  

These changes are less concerning, especially when they don't affect daily life.

When do memory changes become a concern? Here are some signs:

• Forgetting where you left something frequently

• Forgetting details of events that happened recently

• Having difficulty remembering the name of close friends or family members.

Having these signs does not automatically mean someone has dementia. If you notice you or a loved one has these signs, it's best you seek proper medical advice.