I do not remember the first time I heard the word “dementia,”, but I am sure I was an adult. When I was young, I recall hearing the word “senile” used when referring to elderly people who exhibited unusual behaviors, often attributed to “losing one’s mind.”

The word dementia is derived from the Latin word demens which means out of your mind. The word dementatus was used as early as the first century AD to classify people who exhibited the symptoms we now associate with dementia. However, until the 19^th century, dementia was not used to describe mental changes in the elderly but referred to someone who was “mad or out of control of their senses.”

Today, people are living much longer (the number one risk factor of dementia is growing old) and we hear the term a lot. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that causes progressive cognitive and physical changes that worsen over time – normal aging on steroids. (Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably, but Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia.)

Because there is so much information available and dementia is a frequent focus in the media, I have noticed that many seniors are concerned about developing dementia. Often, I have people ask me, “Do you think I have dementia?”

Just asking that question probably means you do not, as executive function (the mental processes that allow us to plan, focus and remember) is one of the initial losses in dementia. 

Following are some examples to help you understand the differences between normal changes that occur in the aging process and symptoms that could indicate dementia, based on information from the Alzheimer’s Society.

• Short-term memory and learning new information:

I was getting in the check-out line at Hobby Lobby when someone called my name. I turned and immediately recognized a dear acquaintance from the Senior Center where (pre-COVID) the grandkids presented a monthly program. As she approached with outstretched arms, her husband’s name popped across the screen in my brain, as did her last name – but for the life of me, I could not think of her first name. We chatted and hugged and said good-bye. What is her name? As soon as I got in the car, “Glenda” flashed onto my mind’s screen. Getting older means you will sometimes forget people’s names but remember them later. Not being able to recall the name of close family members or friends could be a cause of concern.

Occasionally forgetting an appointment or something you were told but remembering later is inconvenient; but constantly missing appointments or asking the same question over and over is problematic. We all misplace items from time to time, but not being able to retrace our steps and find them or even worse – finding our dirty clothes in the dishwasher – alert!

• Planning, problem-solving and decision making:

Growing older means our reaction time may be slower; multi-tasking harder; or even that we make an occasional bad-decision or mistake. Becoming very confused when planning or thinking through things; inability to concentrate; frequent poor judgement especially in money matters or when reacting to potential phone scams are not normal parts of aging. 

• Language:

Who hasn’t had to “search” for the right word when engaged in a conversation or concentrate more to follow?  Losing your train of thought when someone else interrupts happens. However, habitually being unable to find the right word or routinely referring to objects as “that thing” or calling, i.e., an umbrella a flashlight, suggests loss of function.

• Orientation:

I have a special place in my heart for UPS drivers. When Daddy was in the early stages of dementia he drove to town one day, became confused and had no idea where he was. As I am sure God’s hand was on him, he pulled into a service station. A UPS driver recognized him from making deliveries to his house and made calls that got him safely home. (Even now, I tear up, just thinking about what could have happened.)

When was the last time you went into another room, only to forget why? That happens. And sometimes, you are not even sure what day of the week it is – momentarily. But going somewhere familiar and getting lost or losing track of the season or the passage of time are signs of cognitive decline.

• Visual perception changes:

I remember a patient with dementia who was always trying to pick up “designs” imprinted on the vinyl floor. Eyesight can deteriorate with age, especially if cataracts are present. But visual disturbances such as not being able to judge distances on stairs or misinterpreting patterns or reflections may be related to dementia.

• Mood and Behavior:

Randy sometimes refers to old people (like himself) as “old codgers” which I am sure he considers a term of endearment. We can become weary, melancholy, even irritable. We may even comment, “Getting old isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” until we consider the alternative. Deep, dark and continual depression; complete loss of interest in usual activities or becoming easily upset at home signal that something besides age is besetting us.

While this information shouldn’t be used to diagnose dementia in yourself or your loved one (which can only be done by a qualified health professional) it may (1) relieve your concerns or (2) raise concerns and lead you to follow up with your health care provider.

Always consider a person’s normal abilities and observe for changes that could be warning signs. 

In summation, growing older means that both mental and physical changes will take place that can slow us down or even make us grumpy. They occur slowly and are generally minor. Dementia causes abnormal cognitive function that worsens over time. The symptoms of dementia are more frequent and disruptive, ultimately requiring the services of a caregiver. 

Caring Quote: And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t forsake me now when my strength is failing.”  Psalm 71:9