Is this Dementia or Normal Aging?

If you're asking yourself, "is this normal?", you've likely noticed something in yourself or a loved one. A missed appointment, a repeated story, a familiar face that looked unfamiliar for just a second too long, and you can't quite shake it.

Understanding what dementia is, and what it isn't, can help us better support those living with these conditions.

Is this dementia?

This is one of the hardest questions to sit with. There's no single test you can run at home, and an internet search will hand you a list of symptoms that describe almost everyone on an off day. That uncertainty is exhausting on its own, even before you get to the possibility of dementia.

You don't have to figure this out alone, and you don't have to figure it out today. This page can help you start to tell the difference between what's typical, what's worth watching, and what's worth calling a doctor about.

What's worth paying attention to?

Occasional forgetfulness or confusion is a normal part of getting older. And it doesn't always mean dementia. The difference usually isn't whether something happens, but how often it happens, whether it happens in familiar situations, and whether it's out of character.

• Is it happening often, possibly daily?
• Is it happening with familiar routines, surroundings, or people, not just new or complicated ones?
• Is it out of character, or unexpected, given what you know of the person?

If you're answering "yes" to more than one, it may be worth talking to a doctor. One "yes" on its own usually isn't cause for alarm.

What else can cause changes?

Not every change in memory, attention, or mood is caused by dementia. A number of common, and treatable, conditions can affect how the brain works, sometimes resembling dementia symptoms:

• Stress and major life transitions, like grief, burnout, or trauma can cloud thinking and memory
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially low vitamin B12
• Thyroid imbalances or other hormonal changes
• Poor or disrupted sleep over time
• Chronic pain or unmanaged medical conditions
• Mental health concerns, such as anxiety, delirium, or depression

These causes are often reversible with the right treatment, which is why a proper medical assessment matters. A doctor can help identify these or rule them out, so that a proper approach can be found.

Getting a doctor’s assessment isn't only about finding out if it's dementia. It's about making sure nothing gets missed.

When to talk to a doctor

If something feels new, persistent, or getting worse, it's time to talk to a doctor.

You don't need to have this figured out before you make an appointment. If changes are new, happening often, or getting worse over time, that's reason enough to bring it to a health care provider. A medical assessment can rule out causes that could be reversible, catch something treatable early, and, if it is dementia, get the right supports in place sooner rather than later.

In Alberta, you can also call Health Link at 811 to speak with a nurse about the changes you're seeing, day or night.