Signs of ageing or dementia?

Dementia advice

Jan 06, 2025

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The Big Dementia Conversation: Signs of ageing or dementia?

Are you noticing signs of ageing or possibly dementia in a loved one?

As our loved ones age, changes in memory, behaviour, and cognitive function are common, but it can be difficult to distinguish between typical ageing and early signs of dementia. In fact, 71% of people mistakenly attribute dementia symptoms to simply "getting older."

Many symptoms like forgetfulness or mood changes overlap, leading to confusion and delays in diagnosis. This confusion can result in delays in seeking a dementia diagnosis and accessing the care and support needed to make a meaningful difference.

Why it is important to recognise the signs early

Early recognition of dementia can make a profound difference. It enables better symptom management, allows individuals to plan for the future, and provides earlier access to support services. With treatments and interventions improving, detecting dementia in its early stages offers the best chance for slowing progression and maintaining independence.

Typical behaviour changes from dementia and ageing

Dementia affects every individual differently, but some of the key behavioural changes to look out for in the early stages are:

Short-term memory loss: Frequently forgetting recent conversations, events, or appointments.
Challenges with simple tasks: Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as cooking or managing finances.
Unexpected behaviour: Engaging in actions out of character, such as swearing or inappropriate comments.
Altered relationships and increased sexualised behaviour: Initiating new relationships or displaying atypical affection.
Increased irritability or frustration: Losing patience easily or showing mood swings.
Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and activities they previously enjoyed.
Struggling to follow conversations: Losing track mid-conversation or repeating themselves.
Purposeful walking: Pacing or wandering with a determined but unclear purpose.
Loss of inhibitions: Displaying inappropriate behaviour or loss of social awareness.
Poor decision-making: Making choices that seem uncharacteristic or out of alignment with their values.
Obsessive-compulsive behaviours: Repetitive or ritualistic actions.
Significant mood changes: Shifts to depression, anxiety, or increased fearfulness.

Many typical signs of ageing mirror early dementia symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate.

Common similar age-related changes include:

Mild mood changes: Increased irritability or sensitivity to stress and anxiety.
Memory loss: Short-term or difficulty recalling names during a conversation but remembering them later on.
Forgetfulness: Missing appointments or birthdays occasionally, misplacing items.
Struggling to keep up with a conversation: They may become easily distracted or veer off-topic, discussing unrelated subjects.
Challenges with the ability to complete simple tasks: Struggling to multi-task or requiring more physical effort for daily tasks.
Social withdrawal: Avoiding activities they once previously enjoyed due to reduced mobility or capability.

How do I recognise the difference between dementia and ageing symptoms early on?

For many individuals, common symptoms may simply be part of normal ageing, not necessarily signs of dementia. The key difference in distinguishing between the two is the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

Symptoms of ageing are less likely to be as frequent and severe as early signs of dementia. An example below shows the difference between how a common symptom affects both someone ageing and someone suffering from dementia:

Ageing: Occasionally making a poor decision but learning from it.
Dementia: Repeatedly making poor or unsafe decisions without awareness and not learning from the mistakes.

When you notice early signs, it’s important to ask yourself: Are they occasionally making a poor decision, or do they frequently show poor judgment? Are they simply struggling to recall a word or name, or do they have difficulty engaging in conversation altogether?

These questions are crucial when assessing a loved one’s behaviour. If signs of dementia are identified early, it can lead to a quicker diagnosis, resulting in better symptom management and an improved quality of life.

The Big Dementia Conversation

We want to get the nation talking about dementia and some of the most difficult topics associated with the condition. Explore more articles in our online advice hub to take a closer look at the less-talked-about symptoms of dementia and how to navigate them. You can also discover more advice and support on our dementia help & advice page.

The Big Dementia Conversation