Is it a sign of dementia or normal forgetfulness? Experts explain what to expect as we age

Telling the difference between dementia or normal forgetfulness can be confusing, especially when everyday memory lapses—like misplacing a phone or forgetting a name—start to happen more often.

For many older adults, these moments can cause real cognitive decline concerns. To help ease those fears, experts in dementia and aging are offering guidance.

They explain which memory slips are a normal part of aging, which ones could point to something more serious, and when it’s time to seek medical advice.

When is forgetfulness just a regular part of aging?

Experts say that getting a little slower or more forgetful with age is completely normal.

According to Professor Kaarin Anstey from the University of New South Wales, even younger people can feel mentally foggy when they’re stressed or sleep-deprived.

One common sign is struggling to recall a word or name—it’s often right “on the tip of the tongue.” Others may find themselves misplacing things like their phone or keys more often.

“That’s what we call normal experience in ageing; having the occasional experience of misplacing something,” she says.

Over time, simple tasks can also take longer to finish.

Professor Amy Brodtmann, a neurologist at Monash University, says our brain’s processing speed tends to slow down as we age.

“I do see a lot of quite high-performing people in clinic who come in and say, ‘I can’t do what I used to do, I start doing six tasks at the same time and then I don’t get to the sixth one,’” Brodtmann says. “That is completely normal.”

Is it dementia or normal forgetfulness?

Occasionally, losing your keys or forgetting where you left them isn’t a significant concern, experts say.

According to Associate Professor Michael Woodward from Dementia Australia, small memory slips like these are a normal part of everyday life.

But if forgetfulness becomes more frequent, involving serious oversights like leaving the stove on, it may point to a deeper issue.

Language difficulties can also be an early red flag.

Dr. Desmond Graham of Geriatric Care Australia explains that difficulty finding the right words or speaking clearly could be an early sign of dementia.

“If you’re stumbling over your words or you get word-block or word-finding difficulties, that’s what makes me concerned,” Graham says.

Woodard added that mixing up names is usually harmless, but regularly forgetting the names of close family members, such as several grandchildren, could signal a more serious cognitive problem.

While it’s normal to get lost in unfamiliar places, consistently losing your way in familiar areas could be a sign of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Brodtmann explains that this type of disorientation is called topographic or geographic disorientation and may indicate early cognitive decline.

Moreover, memory problems involving important events, like forgetting a close friend’s death shortly after learning about it, can also be a warning sign of dementia.

Additionally, according to Woodward, repeating the same story within one conversation—especially without realizing it—can signal memory issues.

However, occasional forgetfulness, like walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, is generally not a concern.

“People who have ADHD have that experience right across the life course.” It happens when you’re “not focusing on what you’re doing and starting on something, and then your mind switches to the next thing before you finish the first thing,” she said.

What causes forgetfulness?

Several factors can lead to memory lapses in people who are otherwise cognitively healthy, says Anstey.

For example, parents with young children, especially those awake all night, may forget where they parked their car or misplace their keys—common memory lapses that many experience.

In addition, some people report “brain fog” after recovering from COVID-19. In contrast, others may struggle with memory issues as a side effect of chemotherapy or medications used for sleep or pain relief.

Chronic stress is also known to affect memory, particularly short-term recall.

Is someone at greater risk for dementia, or is it simply normal forgetfulness due to being absent-minded?

Occasional memory lapses alone don’t necessarily raise someone’s dementia risk, but they can mask early warning signs.

However, Graham cautions that mild cognitive impairment is often dismissed as normal aging, making it harder to spot.

Anstey explains that diagnosing early cognitive decline can be harder for high-performing individuals.

While they may notice subtle memory or focus issues, their cognitive test results often remain normal.

As a result, they may not meet the criteria for diagnosis. They could go undiagnosed longer than others with clearer signs of decline.

What should someone do if they’re concerned?

Graham notes that only about one in 10 people with early signs of mild cognitive impairment will develop dementia, but adopting a healthier diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk, especially if these changes are made early.

Experts emphasize the importance of consulting a GP or geriatrician if any changes are noticed, particularly by family, friends, or colleagues.

Graham urges individuals not to dismiss concerns as normal aging, recommending a visit to a GP and, ideally, a referral to a geriatrician for further assessment.

Here’s Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist, explaining five key differences to help determine whether it’s dementia or normal forgetfulness due to aging:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified expert or licensed professional with any questions or concerns you may have.