As we get older, we tend to forget things more.  Is this normal ageing, or is it a sign of the start of dementia?  Many people worry that such changes are dementia; it is one of the most feared diseases for those over the age of 65.

Let's look at what is normal ageing and what is not normal ageing.   

Normal ageing

As we get older our brains also age, which can often result in cognitive changes for people.  Such changes can look like:

• Finding it harder to remember a person's name

• Taking longer to remember things

• Being a bit more forgetful and being distracted more easily 

• Slower processing skills

• Having more trouble multi-tasking

It is very normal to forget where you put your keys, or the name of the person that you just met.  It does not mean you have dementia!

What is normal memory

Check out Lisa Genova's TEDx talk below that discusses what is normal memory.  She raises the idea that forgetting is actually OK and we need to give our memories a break - they are designed to not be perfect! 

When should you be concerned?

It is common that older people may sometimes forget a person's name, or it takes longer for them to learn something new. As we age it is normal that we have age-related forgetfulness and some cognitive decline.

In comparison, a serious decline in memory and cognitive functions can include the ability to think, learn and have logic and reason. To diagnose dementia, a person's symptoms must be significantly affecting everyday normal activities like driving, using the phone and finding the way home. Or a person may become confused, repeat the same question, or not take care of themselves properly.

A rule of thumb is that if something has changed then it is time to talk to their GP. For example, the person used to remember people's names, manage their accounts, or they never used to get angry. But now they struggle; this is a change.

There is the thought that if someone has no insight into their memory and cognitive issues, they do not have dementia. This is not true for everyone; a person can have insight into their cognitive and memory issues, and they can also have dementia.

The following information by Alzheimer's UK compares some of the signs of cognitive changes that can occur due to normal ageing versus not-normal ageing. 

Resource: Is it getting older or is it dementia? - Alzheimer's Society UK

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that causes a slight but noticeable decline in memory or other thinking skills. These cognitive changes are not enough to impact a person's daily life, therefore it is not dementia.

It's important to recognise that MCI does not mean the person has dementia. In fact, about 40% of people diagnosed with MCI recover normal cognitive function, and a further 20-30% do not decline further at all. The latest studies suggest that only approximately 40% of people with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia within 10 years of the MCI diagnosis. 

Resource: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - Dementia Australia

How to have that conversation

What can you say if you think someone you know has memory issues that are impacting their life? Having that conversation can be difficult.

Watch the following video that provides great tips around how to have a conversation with someone about their memory issues.