How can i differentiate between normal memory loss and dementia?

Memory is complex: Dementia is the name for a group of different illnesses all of which affect memory. However for a person to be diagnosed with dementia, they must have deficits in other areas of brain functioning like words and speech, trouble doing tasks or other problems as well as a loss of functioning. A geriatric psychiatrist is an expert in helping make this distinction.

Testing/course: Age-related cognitive impairment is a real condition and considered normal, but dementia is usually a progressive condition that eventually effects every area of function. Early dementia is often difficult to distinguish from arci. Neuropsychological testing helps, but is not always diagnostic. When in doubt, cholinesterase inhibitors in combination with Namenda (memantine) should be considered.