The Difference Between Forgetting Due To Aging And Dementia

JAKARTA - Not all forms of forgetting are signs of dementia. Forgetting that arises with age is often a natural part of the aging process, while dementia is a more serious and progressive medical condition.

Understanding the differences between the two is important so as not to misinterpret the symptoms that arise, both in yourself and those closest to you.

Referring to an explanation from the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, dementia is not just an ordinary forgetfulness, but a collection of symptoms due to a decrease in brain cognitive function. These symptoms affect memory, way of thinking, communication, behavior, and emotional regulation, and tend to deteriorate over time.

Although sometimes frustrating, sometimes it's normal to forget that it's still common to worry too much. Based on the Medical Daily report, this exfoliated form is relatively normal and is part of the natural aging process.

In normal aging conditions, a person may forget information from the past, but usually can still remember it after being given instructions. On the other hand, people with dementia often have difficulty remembering new things, such as conversations that have just been done or everyday events.

Other signs from dementia can include difficulty speaking and understanding speech, confusion about time or place, behavior change, difficulty carrying out routine activities, to space perception disorders that can cause easily falling. In fact, sufferers may find it difficult to distinguish color or recognize the face they just met.

It is important to note stress, fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, malnutrition, side effects of drugs, or other medical conditions such as thyroid problems or head injuries can also cause memory problems.

If memory disorders start to interfere with daily activities or occur consistently, it is advisable to immediately consult with health workers. Some signs to watch out for include: repeating the same question repeatedly, getting lost in places you usually visit, or having difficulty taking care of yourself.

However, it is important to remember that memory loss alone is not enough to conclude that a person has dementia. Diagnosis can only be enforced by medical professionals after going through a series of examinations, including evaluation of medical history, cognitive tests, physical examination, and brain imaging if needed.

In some cases, a person may be diagnosed with mild cognitive disorder (mild cognitive impairment). Although similar to dementia, this condition still allows sufferers to undergo their daily activities independently and not always develop into dementia.