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Dementia vs. Forgetfulness: What’s the Difference?

Senior struggling with forgetfulness and dementia

It can be difficult to discern the difference between memory loss and forgetfulness. When it comes to forgetfulness vs. dementia, it’s scary to try to figure out which is which. They both seem to present with similar symptoms, after all. Part of the reason it can be tricky to tell the difference is that they both encompass a wide range of symptoms. There are, however, some key differences between forgetfulness and dementia that can help you figure out which is which.

Baptist Retirement Community’s senior Memory Care is tailored to meet the needs of people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our team is specially trained to provide the quality care needed for seniors with memory loss. Memory Care offers a structured environment where seniors can thrive in a safe and secure setting. Call us at 325.313.7931 to learn more about the difference between memory loss and forgetfulness.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a chronic, progressive brain disease that results in the loss of cognitive function and memory loss. Early onset dementia can begin in a person’s 30s or 40s, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. There are many different types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.

Dementia affects a person’s ability to think, remember, and make decisions. It can also cause changes in mood and behavior. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

Symptoms of dementia vary depending on the type of dementia and the stage of the disease. However, common symptoms include

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty communicating

People with dementia may also experience changes in mood and behavior, such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. Dementia is a serious, life-threatening disease that requires medical treatment. There is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for the person diagnosed.

What Is Forgetfulness?

Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. As we get older, it’s normal to have some trouble remembering things. We may forget where we put our glasses or where we parked the car. This type of forgetfulness is not a cause for concern.

However, there are some types of forgetfulness that can be a cause for concern. If you are forgetting things more often than usual, or if you are having trouble remembering important information, you should talk to your doctor. Forgetfulness can be a symptom of many different conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

Forgetfulness vs. Dementia

Is it forgetfulness or dementia? It can be a troubling question. Here are some key differences between the two:

  • Dementia is a progressive disease.
  • Dementia affects cognitive abilities more than forgetfulness does.
  • Dementia symptoms tend to be more severe than forgetfulness symptoms.
  • Dementia may cause changes in mood or behavior, while forgetfulness does not.
  • Dementia may cause problems with activities of daily living, while forgetfulness does not.

Get Care for Dementia and Forgetfulness at Baptist Retirement Community

Dementia vs. forgetfulness can be a difficult distinction to make. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or changes in cognition, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of dementia can improve the quality of life for the person diagnosed and help slow the progression of the disease.

To learn more about Baptist Retirement Community’s senior Memory Care, contact us by using our online form or by calling us at 325.313.7931 today. We can help you or your loved one get the care and support needed.