Normal forgetfulness or dementia: Where Is the line?

Normal forgetfulness refers to occasional memory lapses that do not significantly affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. For example, sometimes forgetting where you parked your car but remembering later, or forgetting what you intended to say mid-sentence, are typical signs of normal forgetfulness. The person is aware of these lapses and can correct them on their own.

Dementia, on the other hand, is a decline in cognitive functions serious enough to interfere with everyday life and activities. It is not a single disease but a general term for a group of symptoms caused by damage to brain cells. In addition to memory problems, dementia affects thinking, reasoning, language, judgment, and behavior. People with dementia are often unaware of their memory problems, which can be especially frustrating for their loved ones.

An example to better understand the difference:

Imagine Grandma Ana and Grandpa Daniel.

• Grandma Ana (normal forgetfulness): Grandma Ana went to the kitchen to get a glass of water but got distracted and forgot why she went there. After a few seconds, she remembered and took the water. Sometimes she writes down a wrong ingredient for a cake, but when she starts baking, she notices and corrects it. She is aware of these occasional “gaps” and they don’t bother her too much.
• Grandpa Daniel (dementia): Grandpa Daniel went to the kitchen and forgot not only why he was there, but also where the kitchen is in relation to the rest of the apartment. He may stand there confused for a long time. When asked to get water, he might not recognize the glass or know how to fill it. He often forgets the names of his grandchildren and close friends and does not remember recent events, even when reminded. He becomes disoriented in familiar surroundings and repeats the same questions over and over. He is not aware of his memory problems and may even deny them when pointed out.

When to seek help?

If you notice any of the following signs in your loved ones, it is important to seek professional help:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting recent information, important dates, orevents, repeating the same questions.
• Difficulty in planning or solving problems: struggling to follow a recipe, manage finances.
• Trouble completing familiar tasks: forgetting how to cook, or how to play a favorite game.
• Disorientation in time or place: forgetting dates, seasons, or where they are.
• Problems with visual processing and spatial awareness: difficulty reading, judging distances.
• Issues with speech or writing: trouble finding the right words, losing track in a conversation.
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: leaving items in unusual places, accusing others of theft.
• Poor judgment or decision-making: making irrational choices, such as overspending.
• Withdrawal from social activities: loss of interest in hobbies or events.
• Changes in mood and personality: confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, or anxiety.

Early diagnosis is key, as it allows timely treatment that can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Doctors will perform a detailed evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, neurological tests, and cognitive assessments.

How can NANA Prime help?

We understand the challenges families face when a loved one experiences changes in cognitive abilities. Our platform, NANA Prime, is here to provide support and relief. Through our network of verified caregivers, you can find qualified professionals to deliver the necessary in-home elderly care.

Our caregivers are trained to recognize the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, providing not only physical assistance but also emotional support. They encourage activities that help maintain cognitive function and ensure a safe and stimulating environment.

Don’t hesitate to seek help. On the NANA Prime platform, we are here to help you find the ideal support for your loved ones - enabling them to live a dignified and fulfilling life, even when memory begins to fade.