Dementia is not a normal part of Aging.  Simply because you are getting older, does not mean you are destined to get Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.  In fact, approximately 50% of individuals over the age of 90 DO NOT have dementia.  Aging is a blessing.  If you are not aging, you are not living.

As you age, simply forgetting one thing or another is not a determinant of dementia. The memory loss must impair your ability to retrace your steps and/or do the things you were once able to do (such as making a bed, driving a car, cooking dinner, or remembering directions in familiar places).  If it is dementia, the inability to perform familiar tasks will get progressively worse over time.

There is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer's disease.  However, there are medications to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (the symptoms are called dementia). Early detection is key to the success of the medications.  As soon as you think you or your loved one maybe experiencing cognitive delays, seek medical attention, preferably from your primary care physician.

Never make the person feel as if they are not valued or important.  Helping them to maintain their independence for as long as feasibly possible and keeping their environment calm, comfortable, and familiar will improve the quality of living for the caregiver and the persons living with dementia.