Is dementia a normal part of aging?

Though dementia does become more common as we age, it is not the same as normal aging.

But, let's rewind...

First, let's talk about what dementia is.

Dementia itself just means that someone is having difficulties in aspects of thinking (often times memory, but it can be other aspects like attention, language, complex thinking, etc.) that are interfering with their ability to do various tasks for themselves throughout the day. The level of difficulty someone is having is greater than is expected for someone their age.

So, how does dementia differ from normal aging?

An individual with dementia has difficulties that are more pronounced and more negatively affecting their daily life than someone who is aging normally, and the impairment is something new - or a change - for them. 

Though we expect changes in thinking skills over time as we age, such as anticipating our thinking speed will be slower and it may take longer to learn new information in our 70s than in our 30s, dementia represents change above and beyond what is expected. 

What causes dementia?

Dementia and milder levels of cognitive impairment can be caused by a variety of health conditions and factors. The type of difficulties and symptoms someone with dementia experiences depends on the type of dementia they have.

So, is dementia the same as Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease is just one of several potential causes of dementia, and it is the most common cause in older adults. That said, individuals can have dementia that is caused by other medical conditions or neurological diseases. Figuring out the specific type of dementia someone has is helpful in understanding their symptoms, prognosis, and treatment options.

To make a long answer short: 

• Dementia is more common as we age, but is not the same as normal aging

• Dementia can be caused by a variety of factors

• Identifying the type of dementia someone has is important to help with coping with symptoms, understanding their condition, and planning treatment options.