As we age, it’s natural to experience occasional forgetfulness or slower cognitive processing. However, there is a significant difference between normal aging and dementia-related cognitive decline. While occasional memory lapses or misplaced items are common with aging, persistent and worsening cognitive changes that interfere with daily life may indicate something more concerning, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This handout highlights key differences between normal aging and dementia symptoms to help recognize when it might be time to seek medical advice.