We’ve all had our moments of forgetfulness, but never do we suspect anything alarming. However, as we age, memory loss can be a sign of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Medically, it is termed dementia, which occurs when brain cells are damaged, interfering with the ability to think, behave, and feel normally. But ageing itself can cause memory changes, as growing old alters many functions in the body, including cognitive functions. So how do we know whether it is dementia or age-related forgetfulness?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Aparajita Chatterjee, Neurologist, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata, helps distinguish between the two.
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What Is Dementia?
Dr Chatterjee describes dementia as a neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain, leading to a decline in cognitive function and memory loss. According to her, it is characterised by a ‘progressive impairment’ in thinking, reasoning, and memory, which affects routine activities. She said, “As the condition advances, individuals with dementia may struggle with communication, problem-solving, and even recognising the familiar faces. While there are various types of dementia, memory loss is a common symptom across most of them. In a nutshell, it is not a specific disease, but a group of syndromes wherein memory loss is often the most prominent symptom.”
As per the doctor, there is a growing prevalence of dementia around the world. It is estimated that nearly 88 lakh Indians are currently living with some form of dementia, which puts a great burden on healthcare and also caregivers.
How To Tell The Difference Between Dementia And Age-Related Memory Loss
Dr Chatterjee said, “The primary difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is that the former isn't disabling, meaning it has little impact on daily performance. However, dementia involves a persistent decline in two or more intellectual domains, such as memory, language, judgement, and abstract thinking.”
According to the doctor, memory loss is very common in ageing adults. Sometimes it becomes difficult for them to recall a particular thing. This is considered a normal part of the ageing process, and the overall cognitive function remains intact. On the other hand, dementia leads to a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and reasoning which impairs the activities of daily living.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but there are other types, such as vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Memory loss in dementia is more severe and progressive than age-related memory loss.
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Symptoms Of Dementia
Some of the common symptoms associated with dementia include:
Cognitive changes
- Memory loss
- Difficulty in communication
- Difficulty in performing complex tasks
- Unable to plan or organise
- Problems with orientation, such as getting lost in familiar spaces
- Bowel and bladder incontinence
- Need help with dressing, eating and personal care
- May also develop gait imbalance with falls and reduced mobility in the later stages
Psychological changes
- Personality changes; may become unusually agitated or violent or withdrawn
- Inability to reason
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Paranoia
- Hallucination
Depending upon which area of the brain is affected, dementia may affect people differently, says Dr Chatterjee.