Is it Normal Ageing or Dementia? 5 Signs Every Adult Child Should Know

Is it “Normal Ageing” or Dementia? How to Know When to Speak Up

We’ve all been there.

Mum repeats a story she told just ten minutes ago. Dad gets unusually frustrated with the TV remote. You leave the family dinner with a tiny knot in your stomach, wondering: Is this just a normal part of getting older, or is it something more serious?

If you’re feeling this way, you aren’t alone. In Australia, nearly 50% of people living with dementia remain undiagnosed. Many families wait years to seek medical help—often because they don’t want to “cause a fuss” or because they simply aren’t sure if what they are seeing is a medical issue or just “old age.”

The “Normal Ageing” Myth

One of the biggest hurdles for families is the belief that significant memory loss or personality changes are just an inevitable part of growing old.

While our brains do slow down slightly as we age (we might take longer to remember a name or misplace our glasses occasionally), dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is a medical condition of the brain.

The difference usually lies in the impact. If forgetfulness or mood shifts are starting to interfere with daily life—like cooking, managing bills, or following a conversation—it is a sign that you should seek professional advice.

3 Early Signs of Dementia Families Often Miss

When we think of dementia, we usually think of someone forgetting where they live. However, for many Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese families we work with, the first signs have nothing to do with memory. They might include:

• Mood & Personality Changes: Becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn from family gatherings.
• Loss of Initiative: Losing interest in lifelong hobbies or socialising with the community.
• Confusion with Familiar Tasks: Getting “stuck” while performing daily chores or following a well-known recipe.

Why Starting the Conversation Matters

In our communities, there is a deep sense of respect and duty toward our parents. Sometimes, we worry that bringing up memory concerns might feel disrespectful or cause “shame” (stigma) for the family.

But here is the truth: A timely dementia diagnosis is a tool for better care. It allows you to access specialised support, protect your parent’s brain health, and ensure they can live well and independently for as long as possible.

Join Our Free Webinar Series

We know this journey is overwhelming. That’s why the University of Sydney is hosting a series of free online webinars specifically for adult children who are noticing changes in their parents.

In these sessions, Professor Lee-Fay Low and our team will provide:

1. The Dementia Changes Checklist: A simple tool to help you document what you’re seeing.
2. Respectful Scripts: Exactly what to say to your parents to start the conversation.
3. The Dementia Assessment Process: How to work with your GP to get the right referrals.

Webinar Dates (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM):

• Thursday, 23 April
• Wednesday, 27 May
• Tuesday, 30 June