As we age, occasional memory slips and moments of forgetfulness are par for the course. But how do you know when lapses in recall might signal something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease? With millions of Americans living with some form of dementia, it’s crucial to recognize the early warning signs that warrant a closer look. We’ve compiled the top 10 indicators that memory issues may be veering into abnormal territory, so you can seek help for yourself or a loved one as soon as possible.
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Understanding the Difference
Before we dive into the specific signs, let’s clarify some commonly confused terms. “Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life,” explains Dr. Sarah Thompson, a neurologist specializing in memory disorders. “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.” Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, each with their own distinct patterns of symptoms.
Sign #1: Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
One of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recently learned information. “A person may forget important dates, rely heavily on memory aids, or ask the same questions over and over,” notes Dr. Thompson. In contrast, typical age-related changes might involve occasionally forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
Sign #2: Challenges in Problem-Solving
Someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may have trouble developing and following a plan, such as a familiar recipe, or keeping track of monthly bills. They may also struggle to concentrate or take much longer to complete tasks than before. Normal aging might involve the occasional error when balancing a checkbook.
Sign #3: Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete tasks they’ve done regularly, like driving to a frequent destination or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Occasionally needing help with settings on a microwave or to record a TV show is more indicative of normal aging.
Sign #4: Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s. Patients may forget where they are or how they got there. Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later is more typical of age-related change.
Sign #5: Trouble with Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
For some people, vision problems are a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining color and contrast, affecting perception and impacting activities like driving. Age-related vision changes from cataracts or glaucoma are distinct from dementia-related issues.
Sign #6: New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
Those with Alzheimer’s may struggle to follow or join a conversation. They may stop in the middle of speaking, repeat themselves, or have trouble finding the right word (especially nouns). Occasionally having trouble finding the precise word is a normal part of aging.
Sign #7: Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places and be unable to go back over their steps to find them. They may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses. Simply misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them is typical age-related change.
Sign #8: Decreased or Poor Judgment
Someone with Alzheimer’s may use poor judgment when dealing with money or neglect grooming and personal hygiene. They may fall prey to scams more easily. Making a bad decision once in a while is a normal part of getting older.
Sign #9: Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports, because of the changes they’re experiencing. Sometimes feeling weary of work, family, and social obligations is more indicative of normal aging.
Sign #10: Changes in Mood and Personality
Alzheimer’s can cause confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, or anxiety – all of which may lead to easily upset, angry, or explosive emotional reactions, especially when outside of comfort zones. Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted is more suggestive of normal age-related change.
Your Top Alzheimer’s Questions, Answered
If I notice some of these signs in myself or a loved one, what should I do?
Don’t panic – any one of these signs in isolation doesn’t necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer’s. However, if you’re noticing a cluster of these changes, it’s wise to make an appointment with a doctor to undergo screening and determine appropriate next steps. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support, and planning for the future.
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?
While there’s no surefire way to prevent the disease, a growing body of research suggests that adopting healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and staying cognitively and socially engaged may help reduce risk or delay onset. Controlling cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes is also important for brain health.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and normal age-related forgetfulness?
The main distinction is that normal age-related memory changes don’t significantly interfere with daily functioning or the ability to live independently, while Alzheimer’s progressively impairs cognition in a way that has a substantial impact on activities and relationships. If memory lapses are causing concern or disrupting everyday life, it’s best to consult with a medical professional for an evaluation.