Is dementia a normal part of aging?

Dementia affects both men and women and tends to affect individuals over 65 years of age.  Dementia is not a normal part of aging but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. It is not a disease. The term dementia refers to a group of symptoms that involve a loss of intellectual ability, memory loss, decline in judgment, and change in social and emotional skills.

The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person but may include:

• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty performing daily tasks (driving, grooming, cooking, looking after finances)
• difficulty communicating (trouble find words)
• personality changes
• inability to reason
• paranoia
• agitation
• trouble learning or remembering new information

Dementia can be caused by:

• strokes
• head trauma
• alcoholism
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• AIDS
• infections
• tumors
• Parkinson’s
• Alzheimer’s

Some dementias can be treated whereas others remain the same or continue to progress. Dementia usually begins with a stage of forgetfulness and then progressively gets worse with generalized confusion and problems with concentration. Eventually, the memory loss associated with dementia can become dangerous. Individuals can become irrational and irresponsible to the point that they can no longer care for themselves. By identifying the underlying cause of the dementia, a spouse, family member, or caregiver can manage individuals more effectively. Dementia affects individuals, families, as well as caregivers.

For more information about dementia, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465).