Dementia vs. Normal Aging?
It’s normal to become a bit forgetful with age - misplacing keys or occasionally struggling to recall a name happens to most of us. But dementia goes beyond typical age-related changes. Warning signs include getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions or stories, or having trouble with basic tasks like paying bills or following a recipe. In dementia, the changes are more serious, persistent, and interfere with everyday life. It’s important to recognize the difference early and get the right support.
Understanding Dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning - such as memory, reasoning, language, or problem-solving - that interferes with daily life. It’s caused by damage to brain cells, which disrupts their ability to communicate with each other. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome with many possible causes. It affects each person differently and may impact mood, behavior, and physical coordination in addition to memory.
Types of Dementia
There are several forms of dementia, each with its own progression and symptoms. The most common include:
Alzheimer’s Disease - The most well-know type of dementia, Alzheimer’s is marked by memory loss, confusion, and difficulty completing familiar tasks. It typically develops gradually and worsens over time, often beginning with mild forgetfulness and disorientation.
Vascular Dementia - Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain - often due to a stroke or small vessel disease. Vascular dementia can result in impaired judgement, difficulty concentrating, and slower thinking. Symptoms can appear suddenly or progress in stages.
Lewy Body Dementia - This form of dementia involves abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. It often includes visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and Parkinson-like movement symptoms, in addition to memory and thinking changes.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) - FTD tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias and primarily affects personality, behavior, and language. A personal may show changes in social behavior, lack of empathy, or difficulty with speech and understanding.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, research and medical advancements continue to bring new hope for future treatments and earlier detection. In the meantime, compassionate, personalized support can make a world of difference.
At DayBreak, we help individuals live each day with dignity, engagement, and connection—while giving caregivers the reassurance and relief they need. You are not alone on this journey, and with the right support, there can still be joy, purpose, and peace along the way.
Call us today at 912-236-0363 or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.