Memory lapse or Dementia: 5 things that can help you differentiate | The Times of India

Forgetfulness, lack of attention, difficulty in multitasking all are signs of ageing. With time as we grow old, our organs too get old and find it difficult to perform the task as efficiently as it used to in the beginning. All these can not be confused with dementia.

Dementia is a chronic mental condition that primarily affects people who are 65 years and above. It is an umbrella term used to define several mental health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease and others. They are no cure to treat dementia or reduce the symptoms. Moreover, the condition gets worse with time.

Memory loss due to ageing and dementia are two contrasting health issues. Their symptoms certainly overlap, but dementia is a severe and serious mental condition. Everyone in their old age tends to forget things and events, that does not mean they are suffering from dementia.

It is quite easy to differentiate if your habit of forgetfulness is just due to ageing or a sign of early dementia. Here are five ways dementia is different from memory lapse.