How Can You Tell Dementia from Normal Aging difficulties?

Recently some of my family members believe my grandma has dementia. She hasn't been tested for it, but they swear she has it. I truly believe she doesn't. To me her forgetfulness is normal considering her age (late 70's). Is there a way to tell the difference from Dementia and Normal Aging Difficulties (i.e. forgetting where you put things..etc.)?

There ways to tell, but they typically require an assessment by a psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist. However, some signs of abnormal memory problems would be things like misplacing things in abnormal ways, like putting your car keys in the dishwasher. Also forgetting to dress properly, doing things repetatively, reduced ability to care for ones self (can't shower, cook, clean clothes). Alzheimer's usually begins as profound short-term memory problems with very reliable long-term memory. A mini-mental status exam (takes 5 mins) can be done by one of the professionals listed above and are pretty good at screening for this.

Demetia causes memory and personality disorders, deterioration in personal care, and disorientation. If all she is showing signs of is some memory loss it is just probably due to aging but your family members may wish to have her checked to be safe. Early detection is always good.