Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia?

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, but some worry that it is the first sign of dementia. However, not all people with memory problems have dementia. How can you tell the difference between mild forgetfulness and serious memory problems like Alzheimer's disease?

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Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia infographic. See transcript below

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Read a transcript of the infographic

Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia?

Many people can become more forgetful as they age. Learn the differences between age-related forgetfulness and signs of dementia.

Age-related forgetfulness

Making a bad decision once in a while
Missing a monthly payment
Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Losing things from time to time

Signs of dementia

Making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time
Problems taking care of monthly bills
Losing track of the date or time of year
Trouble having a conversation
Misplacing things often and being unable to find them

Talk with a doctor if you notice any changes in memory or thinking that concern you. Learn more about memory and aging.