Why dementia is not a normal part of aging and what you can do

January 3, 2024

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, almost 40 per cent of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old. It’s a natural part of aging – but dementia is not.

Misplaced keys. A forgotten name or password. Forgetting a special occasion like a birthday.

As we age, many of us start to worry memory loss means we are getting dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s normal for us to be concerned.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, almost 40 per cent of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old. It’s a natural part of aging.

Even if you experience memory loss as you age, the chances are still low, however, that it’s dementia. The World Health Organization estimates that 5–8 per cent of us will live with dementia at some point in our lives.

In this Story…

What is dementia?

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Am I at risk?

Are dementia and Alzheimer’s preventable?

I’m worried I may get dementia. What can I do now to help feel prepared?

What is dementia?

Dementia is a broad term to describe the symptoms that affect brain function. It’s a condition characterized by:

Loss of memory, judgement and reasoning
Changes in behaviour and mood
Physical changes like loss of coordination, balance and mobility

These changes often result in a progressive decline in a person’s ability to function at work and in social relationships, or to perform regular daily activities.

It’s important to know that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is diagnosed by health-care professionals.

Dementia: Overview (Government of Canada)

The 10 warning signs of dementia (Alzheimer Society of Canada)

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s estimated to contribute to 60–70 per cent of dementia cases. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and it’s not reversible, though some medicines might slow it down for a while and make the disease easier to live with.

Alzheimer's Disease (HealthLink BC)

What is Alzheimer's disease? (Alzheimer Society of Canada)

Am I at risk?

The risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s is influenced by factors that include your lifestyle, environment and genetics.

Some factors you can control; others you cannot. Like most diseases, risk factors represent an increased chance that dementia will develop—but is not a certainty. Conversely, having little to no risk factor exposure doesn’t mean you’re protected from getting dementia.

Risk-factors (PDF) (Alzheimer Society of Canada)

Are dementia and Alzheimer’s preventable?

You can reduce the risk of getting dementia by paying attention to the following risk factors. It’s estimated 40 per cent of dementia cases may be the result of these modifiable factors:

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Diet
Alcohol consumption
Low levels of cognitive engagement
Depression
Traumatic brain injury
Hearing loss
Social isolation
Air pollution

Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia (Alzheimer Society of Canada)

I’m worried I may get dementia. What can I do now to help feel prepared?

An important step anyone can take is to think about, write down and talk about your wishes and instructions for personal and health care needs.

Advance care planning can begin at any stage of your life. We make our best decisions when we are calm and before we are in a stressful situation or medical crisis. Even if you’re feeling well and healthy now, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you become suddenly unwell and not able to make decisions for yourself.

Advance Care Planning in B.C. (Video) (Government of B.C.)

My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment (Government of B.C.)

This article is the first in our four-part series on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Learn about resources and programs to help people living with the disease and their caregivers lead fulfilling lives with the support of their community.

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Explore this series

This is the first story in our four-part series on dementia and Alzheimer's disease in recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Learn about resources and programs to help people living with the disease and their caregivers lead fulfilling lives with the support of their community.

Other stories in this series:

How dementia is diagnosed and what to expect

Caring for a loved one with dementia – and for yourself

Get more stories like this
Sign up to receive the Stories@IH email digest twice a week to your inbox.