Some slowing of memory is a normal part of ageing.
Dementia is different: memory and thinking decline enough to affect daily independence.
Key concepts
- Normal: forgetting a name but recalling it later
- Concerning: repeating the same question within minutes
- Treatable causes such as low B12, thyroid or depression must be ruled out
Symptoms and signs
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty handling money or medicines
- Personality change, suspicion or withdrawal
Causes
- Alzheimer's disease
- Strokes and small-vessel disease (vascular dementia)
- Other brain diseases such as Lewy body or frontotemporal dementia
Risk factors
- High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking
- Untreated hearing loss and social isolation
- Physical inactivity and alcohol
Evidence-based management
- Memory assessment with simple cognitive tests
- Blood tests and brain scan when advised
- Treat depression, hearing loss and vascular risk factors
- Medicines that may slow symptoms in some dementias
When to seek professional help
- Families can book an online consultation and join the call with the elder
- Memory problems worsening over months
- Sudden confusion, weakness or slurred speech — go to an emergency department now
Frequently asked questions
Is dementia a normal part of ageing?
No. It is a disease, not an inevitable part of growing old.
Can memory loss be reversed?
Some causes — low B12, thyroid, depression, medicine effects — are treatable, so assessment matters.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Dementia — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97). NICE, UK, 2018.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Related articles
Related guides
Need personal advice? Book a confidential consultation.