People with dementia have an advanced brain disorder that can make it progressively more difficult for them to think clearly, remember things, communicate with others or even take care of themselves. I have been personally affected by this disorder through members of my family and that is why this particular conference caught my attention the most. I didn't realize how serious this disorder could be and how it impacts not only a person's memory loss, but many other aspects of their life. The topics I was most interested in and wanted to learn more about were memory loss related to normal aging versus symptoms of dementia, how families cope with a loved one with dementia, and the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. (http://www .helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_dementias_types.htm) As people age, it is not uncommon to experience changes in memory, such as memory loss. However, there is a big difference between normal changes in memory and symptoms of dementia. Typical aging-related changes in memory include things like not being able to find the right word during a conversation and complaining about memory loss, while being able to give detailed examples of things that are forgotten. Some additional signs of typical aging are stopping to remember directions but not getting lost in a familiar place, being able to remember recent events that are important, and that conversation is not not affected, and to have the same level of interpersonal social skills that always have. been present. On the other hand, there are more extreme cases of memory loss that are symptoms of dementia. These include things like complaining of memory loss only when asked about it and not remembering it...... middle of article..... . in introductory course because I learned a lot of additional information and I think other students I would also be interested in learning more about the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After reading these articles, I feel much more confident in my understanding of dementia and how it can affect a person's life physically, mentally and emotionally. I know more about memory loss due to normal aging and the symptoms of dementia, how families cope with a loved one with dementia, and the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a very serious brain disorder that radically changes the life of the person diagnosed as well as that of their family. I hope that in the near future there will be a cure not only for dementia, but also for Alzheimer's disease, so that one day no one will have to suffer from these debilitating diseases..