Issue 5: What is Dementia?

Isaiah 46:4 - “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” 

Dear Reader,

Aging and death are certainties. I don’t say that to be morbid or discouraging, but because they are realities we all face. Scripture acknowledges aging and its decline many times – consider Isaac and David in their final years. This aging and decline affects not just our body, but our mind as well.

Our memory and thinking abilities do change as we age. Thinking speed slows, memory becomes less reliable, and forgetfulness increases.

I’m often asked questions like:

• Is memory loss a normal part of aging?
  

• Is dementia just part of getting older?
  

• What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Let’s clarify a few things.

First, dementia is not normal aging.

Dementia, simply put, is a condition defined by two main criteria:

1. Memory loss or other cognitive decline (such as language problems or poor decision-making) that is worse than expected for age, and
   
   

2. That decline is severe enough to affect daily independence – for example, causing a person to no longer safely manage medications on their own.
   

By definition, dementia is not just “getting older.” Normal aging involves some slowing of thinking and mild memory changes, but not to the extent that safety or independence are lost.

Second, dementia is not a disease itself.

Rather, it is a condition caused by different diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body disease are the two most common causes of dementia.

Thankfully, most people do not develop these diseases.

Third, most memory problems are caused by something other than dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Many health issues can impact memory and thinking without leading to dementia. For example:

• Diabetes
  

• Sleep apnea or poor sleep
  

• Chronic stress and anxiety
  

• Depression
  

• Chronic pain
  

These and other conditions can cause bothersome memory difficulties, but usually do not progress to the point of stealing independence.

What can we do to reduce risk?

While aging is unavoidable, there are many habits that help reduce your risk of dementia and keep your mind sharp, including:

✅ Eating a healthy, balanced diet
✅ Getting consistent, restorative sleep
✅ Staying physically active
✅ Managing stress well
✅ Keeping all medical conditions stable and well-treated
✅ Keeping your mind active and engaged

These are foundational to both brain health and whole-person health.

Your next step this week

Choose one area from the list above to improve this week.

Small, intentional changes build long-term resilience, and improve and maintain a clear mind.

A final encouragement

Even as we work to care for our mind and body, God promises to sustain us at every stage of life:

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”
 (Isaiah 46:4)

Nothing can separate you from His sustaining presence. Whether we are blessed with a clear and sharp mind into our last days, or we suffer memory loss or dementia despite our best efforts, either way we can trust that God will carry us through into eternity where we will enjoy a sharper mind than ever before. Check out 1 Corinthians 13:12 and Philippians 3:20-21 for more encouragement. 

In Him, 

Dr. Matt

Christian Neuropsychologist | Fellow Traveler in Faith and Clarity
https://clearmindweekly.beehiiv.com/ 
www.drmattbridgman.com 

P.S. Just a quick reminder…the information presented above is for educational purposes only. This information is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical advice. This information is not a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a primary care provider or other licensed medical professional. The criteria for dementia referenced above are simplified and not complete; many other factors and criteria are necessary to consider when evaluating someone for dementia. Your use of this information does not constitute or establish a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Bridgman. If you have questions related to this information, you may contact Dr. Bridgman at [email protected] or follow up with your primary care doctor.