Misplacing keys, forgetting a name or walking into a room and forgetting why – these lapses can cause concern, especially for those with a family history of dementia. But are these typical signs of getting older or something worse? The answer can be as complex as the brain itself. But knowing when to be concerned – and how to protect your memory – can offer hope.
Sahil Patel, MD
What counts as normal?
“People come to me all the time worried about their memory,” says Sahil Patel, MD, a psychiatrist with Jefferson Health in Voorhees. “They’re afraid they have dementia, especially if they’ve seen a family member go through it.”
He reassures his patients that forgetfulness is typically no cause for alarm.
Some memory issues are inevitable as we age, adds Robert Ocasio, MD, an internist with Inspira Medical Group Primary Care in West Deptford. “After age 30, we begin to experience some degree of memory decline,” he says, noting that brain volume gradually shrinks. Still, it’s more common for people to question their memory slippage after age 60.
“Forgetting small things, like where you left your phone, is annoying but normal,” Ocasio says. “What’s key is that these lapses don’t interfere with your ability to live independently or manage your responsibilities.”
Robert Ocasio, MD
When does memory loss mean dementia?
Dementia is a serious, progressive decline in memory and cognitive functions that disrupts daily life. “One of the earliest signs of dementia is difficulty learning new things,” says Patel. “You might forget information you just learned or struggle to adapt to new situations.”
People with dementia may lose track of time, get lost in familiar places or make poor decisions, neglect personal care or engage in risky behavior.
Family members often notice these changes first. “When someone starts behaving out of character, it can be a sign of something more serious,” Patel adds.
In some cases, memory problems fall into a middle ground known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). “With MCI, memory problems are noticeable but don’t completely disrupt daily life,” explains Ocasio. However, MCI can increase the risk of developing dementia. “If someone starts needing help with tasks they used to handle on their own, it becomes more concerning.”
“If someone starts needing help with tasks they used to handle on their own, it becomes more concerning.”
How is dementia diagnosed?
Dementia is diagnosed through cognitive assessments like the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), a short test examining memory, attention and problem-solving.
“We don’t expect normal aging to show significant impairment on these tests, but if your score is low, that could indicate something more serious,” Patel says.
Other treatable conditions, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid issues or even infections, can mimic dementia, says Ocasio. For this reason, doctors typically perform a full check-up and blood panel tests to rule out these conditions.
Mental health plays a role too. For example, depression can cause decreased concentration. “It can look like memory loss, but in reality, it’s related to mental health, he says. “That’s why it’s important to seek out your doctor, to figure out what’s going on.”
Preventing Cognitive Decline
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, the doctors agree that starting healthy habits early can make a significant difference.
“Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your brain,” says Ocasio. Even moderate activities like walking, cycling or swimming can help.
Ocasio also recommends limiting alcohol and following the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s.
Staying engaged socially as well as keeping the mind engaged are also important – the more you challenge your brain, the better. “This could be trying to be constantly learning things, doing puzzles, reading,” Patel says. “Even if you’re in a job where you are using the brain, it is the same as mental exercise.”
The consequences of not adopting these habits could hasten dementia. “If you’re in the mild cognitive impairment stage or the early stages of dementia, and you retire and just watch TV without engaging socially, your decline may be steep,” says Ocasio.
And while some medications may slow dementia’s progression, they are not cures. “Medicine can help with symptoms like agitation and confusion, but many patients do better with lifestyle interventions,” says Ocasio.
