We've all experienced those frustrating moments—forgetting where we put our keys, blanking on a name, or walking into a room and wondering why we're there. But when do these everyday memory slips cross the line from normal aging into something more serious? 

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Michelle McDonnell, a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in cognitive assessment and dementia diagnosis. She helps us understand the crucial differences between the natural cognitive changes that come with aging and the warning signs of dementia that should never be ignored. 

With compassion and clarity, Dr. McDonnell walks us through what happens to our brains as we age, explaining why some forgetfulness is completely normal while other patterns demand attention. She shares real-world examples that illustrate the distinction, discusses the role of neuropsychological testing, and offers guidance on when to seek professional evaluation.