Differentiating Normal Aging & Dementia
Key points
- Like the rest of the body, the brain changes as we age.
- Our brains contain billions of nerve cells (neurones) grouped into specific regions that control all our mental and physical processes.
- Positive findings in any of the following areas generally indicate the need for further assessment for the presence of dementia.
- Scientists are starting to shed light on some of the processes behind these changes and to discover the differences between normal ageing and dementia.
Like the rest of the body, the brain changes as we age. Scientists are starting to shed light on some of the processes behind these changes and to discover the differences between normal ageing and dementia.
What happens to our brains in normal ageing?
Our brains contain billions of nerve cells (neurones) grouped into specific regions that control all our mental and physical processes.
Scientists once thought that we were doomed to lose many of these neurones as we age. They also believed that the complex branching of these neurones was inevitably damaged as we grow older. Thankfully, better ways of looking at the brain’s structure have shown this to be inaccurate.
The brain does alter with age, but in most people these changes are more subtle than was once thought. The changes include:
- shrinkage of some neurones;
- loss of plasticity (the ability to rearrange connections between neurones); and
- damage by free radicals (molecules that react easily with other molecules, thereby damaging cells in the body).
Certain areas of the brain are more vulnerable to these changes than others. The regions most at risk are those involved in memory, learning and complex mental activities such as planning.
Differentiating Normal Aging & Dementia
Typical Aging
Independent in daily activities preserved
Dementia
Person becomes critically dependent on others for key independent living activities
Typical Aging
Complains of memory loss but able to provide considerable detail regarding incidents of forgetfulness
Dementia
May complain of memory problems only if specifically asked; unable to recall instances where memory loss was noticed
Typical Aging
Patient is more concerned about alleged forgetfulness than are close family members
Dementia
Close family members much more concerned about incidents of memory loss than patient
Typical Aging
Recent memory of important events, affairs, conversations not impaired
Dementia
Notable decline in memory for recent events and ability to converse
Typical Aging
Occasional word finding difficulties
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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