By Oran Aviv – Creator of Hands-on Dementia

Is Memory Loss with Age Normal?

We often joke about having a “senior moment” when we forget something, but when does memory loss signal something more serious? Understanding the difference between normal aging and abnormal memory loss is important.

Normal memory loss:

• Generally mild and does not interfere with daily life
• Involves occasional forgetfulness, like misplacing items or struggling to recall names
• Can be managed with lifestyle changes like memory aids or organization strategies

Abnormal memory loss:

• More severe and persistent decline in cognitive function
• Includes difficulty completing familiar tasks, getting lost in known places, or struggling with language
• Interferes with daily life and independence

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome that significantly impairs memory, thinking, and executive function—skills necessary for planning, organizing, and completing tasks. When cognitive decline disrupts daily activities like getting dressed, preparing food, or shopping, it is classified as dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term, much like cancer, encompassing various conditions that impact cognitive function.

Common Types of Dementia

There are many conditions that cause dementia, but these four are the most common:

Alzheimer’s Disease – Accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases, Alzheimer’s progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time. It is characterized by amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. Interestingly, some people have these plaques without showing symptoms of dementia.

Public figures such as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher were diagnosed with this type of dementia.

Vascular Dementia – Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, vascular dementia can develop after strokes or mini-strokes, sometimes unnoticed. Lifestyle changes, like managing blood pressure and cholesterol, may help prevent it. Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops during sleep, is also a risk factor. If you or someone you know snores, wakes up tired, or experiences morning headaches, getting checked for sleep apnea is crucial.

However, not all cases of vascular dementia are preventable—age and genetics also play roles.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) – The second most common progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s, LBD is caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. It shares similarities with Parkinson’s disease, and symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, sleep disturbances, and motor difficulties.

LBD is often misdiagnosed—up to 80% of cases may be mistaken for other conditions. Actor Robin Williams was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s before an autopsy confirmed LBD. His family has since advocated for greater awareness of the disease.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) – FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting personality, language, and behavior. People with FTD may struggle with word retrieval or substitute words in conversation.

Actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with FTD after initially being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting language comprehension and speech.

How Does Dementia Affect Memory?

A useful way to visualize dementia’s impact on memory is the “Bookcase Analogy.” Picture a bookshelf where recent memories are stored on the top shelves and older memories on the lower shelves. As dementia progresses, the bookcase shakes, causing the newest memories to fall down first.

This explains why a person with dementia may remember their children as young but not recognize them as adults. While this can be distressing for family members, understanding these changes may help a family understand why their family member no longer remembers their name or who they are.

Dementia Strengthens Emotional Memory

Though cognitive abilities decline, emotions and feelings often become stronger. An individual with dementia may forget names or faces but will remember how someone made them feel. This is because the “emotional bookcase” remains intact, even as memories fade.

For example, a person with dementia may not recall who visited them but will retain the emotions they felt after the visit. They may not recognize you, but they will remember how you make them feel, and they will know if you are someone who cares about them.

This heightened emotional perception can also explain seemingly irrational behaviors. If a staff member in a care facility greets a resident warmly but secretly harbors resentment, the person with dementia may detect the insincerity and react negatively.

Building Trust Through Honesty

Since people with dementia rely more on emotional cues than logical reasoning, honesty, and genuine care are essential in building trust. Even if they cannot articulate it, people with cognitive decline can sense authenticity. By understanding dementia better, caregivers and loved ones can deal with the challenges of dementia with greater empathy and patience.

While dementia changes how a person interacts with the world, their emotions and need for love and connection remain strong. As Michael Verde, from Memory Bridge so poignantly stated:

“People with Alzheimer’s disease never forget that they want to be loved.”

Key Takeaways:

• Dementia is diagnosed when cognitive decline disrupts daily life.
• Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions.
• Recent memories fade first.
• People with dementia often develop a heightened sensitivity to emotions and authenticity.
• It is important to build an honest and caring relationship.

bio;

Oran Aviv, Hands-on Dementia, Oran Aviv is a skilled reflexologist specializing in working with individuals living with dementia for over 15 years. She is also a Certified Teacher of Naomi Feil’s Validation Method, which fosters deeper communication with older adults experiencing dementia.