But dementia is different. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is a medical condition that affects the brain and gradually impacts memory, thinking and daily life.

So how do you know the difference?

When should I be concerned?

Dementia cannot be diagnosed by yourself or your friends, it requires a qualified health professional. The most important first step, if you or someone close to you has concerns, is to see your GP.

Here are some key signs that point towards dementia rather than normal ageing:

• Changes that progress noticeably over a few months (not slowly over years).
• Increasing difficulty managing everyday tasks and routines.
• Friends or family expressing concern that "something’s not right."

Listening to those around you can be very important - sometimes they notice changes that are harder for you to see in yourself.

Dementia v Normal Ageing: What’s the Difference?

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain. These symptoms often start small but get worse over time. Common signs include:

• Memory loss.
• Confusion and needing help with daily tasks.
• Problems with language and communication.
• Changes in mood, behaviour, or personality.

Here is how dementia symptoms can look compared to the more typical signs of ageing:

Memory 

• Possible dementia: Forgetting things you were just told, repeatedly asking the same question or putting items in unusual places (like keys in the fridge).
• Normal ageing: Forgetting where you put your phone but retracing your steps to find it.

Planning and Decision-Making

• Possible dementia: Struggling to manage bills, stay focused or make safe decisions.
• Normal ageing: Occasionally making a mistake when following a new process.

Language and conversation

• Possible dementia: Frequently losing words, finding conversations difficult to follow.
• Normal ageing: Sometimes struggling for the right word, especially when distracted.

Orientation (Time and Place)

• Possible dementia: Getting lost in familiar places, losing track of dates or seasons.
• Normal ageing: Briefly forgetting the day of the week but quickly realising.

Vision and Perception

• Possible dementia: Struggling to judge distances or confusing reflections with real objects.
• Normal ageing: Experiencing cloudy vision due to eye conditions like cataracts.

Mood and Behaviour

• Possible dementia: Withdrawing from friends and hobbies, feeling unusually anxious or low in confidence.
• Normal ageing: Occasionally feeling reluctant to join in but able to adapt.

What to do if you are worried

If you have noticed some of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important not to jump to conclusions. Dementia can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. A good step is to make notes of your concerns and discuss them with your GP. You can find a useful checklist to help you prepare for your appointment on the Alzheimer's Society website

Remember: noticing these changes doesn’t always mean dementia. There are other health conditions that can affect memory and mood, and some may be treatable.

If you want to know more read our blog about what will happen at your GP appointment here.

How we can help

Coming to terms with memory problems or a possible dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming. At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern we are here to support you and your loved ones through every stage. Our dementia care services are designed to provide compassionate, personalised support helping people live with dignity, safety and comfort in familiar surroundings.

If you would like to learn more about our approach to dementia care please click here