Memory Loss: Is It Normal Aging or a Serious Condition?  

patient and nurse

July 30, 2025 | Tags: Wellness

Occasional memory lapses, like misplacing your keys or forgetting where you parked the car, are common as we age. But frequent memory loss and confusion that disrupt your daily life could indicate a more serious issue. 

Understanding cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can guide you in deciding when to seek medical advice for yourself or a loved one. 

What is dementia? 

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of neurological symptoms that worsen over time due to brain cell breakdown. As nerve cells, called neurons, stop working properly, it triggers a decline in areas of the brain that deal with: 

  • Memory  
  • Reasoning 
  • Language 
  • Coordination 
  • Mood and behavior 

There are different types of diseases that are grouped under the term “dementia,” including: 

  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Vascular disease 
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies 
  • Frontotemporal dementia 
  • Dementia caused by Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease 

Some conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms, like side effects from medication, head injuries, tumors or infections in the brain, which can be stopped or even reversed. 

What is Alzheimer’s disease? 

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain, damaging and destroying cells over time. It’s the most common underlying cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. 

As a progressive disease, Alzheimer’s impairs cognitive functions, making everyday tasks challenging and causing permanent damage, with memory loss being the most common symptom.  

There are three stages of Alzheimer’s: 

  • Early-stage Alzheimer’s (mild): The initial diagnosis stage where a person starts experiencing memory loss and other cognitive difficulties, though symptoms appear gradual to others. 
  • Middle-stage Alzheimer's (moderate): The longest stage marked by increased confusion and trouble recognizing loved ones. Neuron damage makes it difficult to express thoughts or perform routine tasks without help.  
  • Late-stage Alzheimer’s (severe): Final stage where a person loses the ability to communicate, control movement and respond to their environment, becoming entirely reliant on others.  

Risk factors of dementia and Alzheimer’s  

Understanding the risk factors of dementia and Alzheimer's can help us take proactive steps to protect our cognitive health. These can include: 

  • Age  
  • Family history and genes (heredity) 
  • Down syndrome 
  • Race and ethnicity  
  • Poor heart health 
  • Head injury  

Is there a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s? 

There is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, you can take steps to lower your risk, manage or even slow the progression of cognitive decline: 

  • Incorporate nutrition and exercise: A nutritious lifestyle rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts as well as aiming for 30 minutes of activity most days or 150 minutes per week. 
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Habits like drinking, smoking and using other tobacco products contribute to poor health. Some employers offer benefits like a tobacco cessation program for support. Medical Mutual members have access to Pivot Breathe, a free and highly personalized program for anyone who wants to kick their tobacco or vaping habit. Visit Pivot.co/MedMutual to get started. 
  • Foster social and cognitive engagement: Interact with people and do puzzles, word games and other stimulating activities to keep your mind engaged. 

When to see your provider 

Early diagnosis can offer more treatment options to delay cognitive decline, helping you prioritize your health, plan and make healthcare decisions, including end-of-life care. Make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) if you or loved ones see changes in your memory, mental function, daily task performance, behavior or personality. Your PCP may consult with a neurologist or other specialist. If you don’t have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use the Find a Provider tool to find a PCP in your plan’s network. 

Additional resources are available  

Dementia and Alzheimer’s not only affect the person diagnosed, but also significantly impact their family, friends and loved ones who live with or care for them. Support and learning resources are available, including: 

  1. Alzheimer’s Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia with ties to local chapters so you can find care and support in your area.  
  2. Alzheimer’s.gov:  A federally-managed resource by the Nation Institute of Aging (NIA) aiming to connect people with various federal resources for education and support related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. 
  3. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: A resource offering support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

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