Is the forgetfulness I'm experiencing a result of growing older or Alzheimer's disease?
In the natural course of aging, forgetting keys or names occasionally is a common experience. However, it's essential to understand the difference between these normal memory lapses and the early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Normal aging memory lapses typically involve occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing items but remembering them later, taking longer to recall words or complete thoughts, and needing occasional reminders. These lapses do not significantly interfere with daily life and are usually minor distractions or temporary confusion in new situations.
In contrast, early signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia are more profound and disrupt daily life. These symptoms include frequent memory loss that affects routines, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion about time, dates, or places, trouble speaking, understanding, reading, or writing clearly, and poor judgment and decision-making that can affect safety or finances.
A key distinction is that Alzheimer’s symptoms interfere significantly with independence and normal function, whereas normal aging memory lapses do not. If memory problems lead to difficulties managing personal care, finances, medications, or navigating familiar environments, it is more indicative of Alzheimer's or another dementia rather than normal aging.
Family or friends often notice these changes before the affected person realizes them. Therefore, monitoring the impact on daily life and the progression of symptoms is crucial in differentiating between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease. If in doubt, professional evaluation is advised.
Losing track of what season it is or forgetting where one is (or how one got there) are red flags that should be discussed with a doctor, as they are seen more often with Alzheimer's disease. Medications, prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal, can also affect the brain and should be considered.
If memory concerns start to alter one's day-to-day life, it's important to seek medical advice. A recent illness or hospitalization could cause a temporary period of confusion called delirium. Forgetfulness should be looked into by a doctor when it starts to affect one's ability to remain independent or perform daily life activities.
Depression can also trigger memory issues, but depression often presents with other symptoms like loss of interests in hobbies or activities, a feeling of worthlessness, sleep problems, or loss of appetite. If problems over six months are affecting one's quality of life, it is crucial to have them checked.
Some people with Alzheimer's develop problems with judging distance between objects, seeing color and contrast, and reading might become difficult. With Alzheimer's, planning and following directions can become difficult, including managing finances, cooking, getting dressed, driving in familiar areas, and taking medications.
Medical conditions such as stroke, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies can also produce memory and/or cognitive problems. Misplacing things consistently and being unable to retrace one's steps can be a sign of Alzheimer's.
Geriatrician Ronan Factora, MD, advises against attributing all memory trouble to "just getting older." People who have Alzheimer's sometimes withdraw from their friends or favorite activities and can become depressed, angry, suspicious, or scared.
It is never a good idea to overlook mental health concerns. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent memory loss or other cognitive issues, it's important to report these concerns to a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Cognitive testing may be performed during a doctor's appointment to document the presence and severity of cognitive concerns. A screening for depression and routine blood work may also be performed.
- While normal aging might lead to occasional forgetfulness, persistent memory loss that affects daily routines and tasks could be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
- If forgetfulness starts to interfere with one's ability to manage personal care, finances, medications, or navigate familiar environments, it might indicate Alzheimer's or another dementia.
- Besides memory loss, other symptoms of Alzheimer's might include difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing clearly, and poor judgment and decision-making affecting safety or finances.
- Additionally, health conditions such as stroke, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies can cause memory and cognitive problems, which could be mistaken for normal aging.
