Understanding Dementia: More than Forgetfulness

When most people hear “dementia,” they think of forgetful older adults. But dementia can affect people of any age, impacting not only their memory but also their physical, functional, emotional, mental, and social well-being. It is a progressive condition that worsens over time.

Currently, more than six million Americans have dementia. Living with dementia can be challenging for those with this condition as well as their families and loved ones.

What is Dementia?

Dementia affects the parts of the brain that control learning, decision-making, language, mood, and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but dementia can be caused by other diseases, infections, or exposure to substances like lead or mercury.

As we age, we all forget things, but dementia is more than occasional forgetfulness. Dementia is a serious safety issue. People with dementia can get lost while driving or walking in their neighborhood, take too much (or not enough) medication, neglect personal hygiene, leave food cooking on the stove, or forget to lock their doors.

Dementia can also produce changes in:

Judgment. People with dementia are often impatient and impulsive. They can be susceptible to scams and mismanage their money.
Communication. In addition to struggling to find “the right words” when they speak, people with dementia may have a hard time writing and reading. They also tend to repeat themselves.
Problem-solving skills. It can be difficult for people with dementia to understand complex ideas and pay attention to details.
Mood. Dementia can magnify a person’s emotions, leading to outbursts of sadness, confusion, or agitation.
Activity levels. People with dementia may disengage from loved ones or give up activities they used to enjoy.

Diagnosing Dementia

There are different types of dementia with different causes. If you or a loved one notices significant changes in memory, personality, or cognitive ability, you should talk to a primary care provider (PCP).

A PCP can evaluate your mental status and order bloodwork or other tests to help make a diagnosis. They may also refer you to a specialist like a geriatrician or a neurologist.

Risks for Dementia

With rates of dementia on the rise, it’s important to know your risks. Dementia risk increases as you get older. You are also at an increased risk if a family member has dementia or you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

You can reduce your chances of developing dementia by:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Controlling your blood pressure
Being physically active
Getting adequate sleep
Having meaningful social connections with others
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities
Limiting nicotine and alcohol intake

Caring for Someone with Dementia

Family members frequently become caregivers for loved ones in the early stages of dementia. Activities like making meals for their loved one, getting them bathed and dressed, making sure they take their medicine, going to doctor’s appointments with them, and paying their bills can be split between family members, so one person isn’t responsible for everything.

If you are a caregiver for someone with dementia, you can help minimize their confusion and keep them safe by:

Labeling rooms and doors
Organizing medications
Maintaining consistent daytime and nighttime routines
Writing down important names, dates, and phone numbers
Monitoring accounts to protect them from scammers

Caregivers can also help their loved ones plan ahead for long-term care. It’s a good idea to ask your loved one about their end-of-life care plan when they can still make decisions. Include family members in advance care planning discussions, so everyone can be prepared.

Home health aides or nurses can help care for those who want to stay in a home setting. Newer technology solutions may help with medication and home safety. Memory facilities are also available for people who require more complex, around-the-clock care.

Caring for the Caregivers

Caregiving for someone with dementia can be rewarding, but it is a difficult role and has its own set of challenges. Many caregivers worry so much about their loved one’s well-being that they neglect their own. That’s why self-care is so vital for caregivers. Respite care services can give caregivers occasional breaks.

Caregivers may struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, despair, and frustration. Support groups can teach them healthy coping skills and give them an opportunity to share their feelings with others who understand.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) members have access to Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available 24/7 to answer health questions about dementia or provide resources for caregivers. IBX Medicare Advantage members also have access to programs such as Carallel* and Isaac Health†, which provide support services for caregivers and people with dementia.

Living with Dementia

Dementia changes how a person thinks, acts, feels, and remembers. Caregivers often carry the dual burden of keeping their loved ones safe while managing their own feelings of sadness, frustration, and exhaustion. However, there are resources that can support those dealing with dementia, and we can all help by extending compassion to those affected by the condition. 

*Carallel is an independent company that provides resources to caregivers.

†Isaac Health is an independent company that provides assistance to individuals with diagnosed dementia.

Independence Blue Cross offers PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Blue Cross PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal.

Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries and affiliates Independence Assurance Company, Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East, and QCC Insurance Company — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Website Last Updated 12/15/2025