When does forgetting a name become a red flag? How can you determine if misplacing keys is a normal part of aging or a potential symptom of Alzheimer's disease? For caregivers, these questions are constant sources of stress.
The line between everyday forgetfulness and dementia can seem blurry, but it doesn't have to be that way. By recognizing the key differences, you can move from uncertainty to insight, ensuring your loved one gets the support they need when it matters most.
Worried About Someone’s Memory or Cognitive Function? You're Not Alone!
Do you wonder if your loved one's increased forgetfulness or strange behavior is a normal part of aging or if it’s a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
It's easy to make that assumption, but it's essential to gather more information before jumping to conclusions.
There are significant differences between the everyday forgetfulness that comes with age and the warning signs of cognitive impairment. Plus, many common and treatable health conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms.
So how do you know if the behavior you’re noticing in an older adult is typical, or if they need to be evaluated by a doctor?
We found a helpful explanation of 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s from the Alzheimer’s Association.
From that list, we highlight five real-life examples that show the key differences between normal aging behavior and possible early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Signs of Alzheimer’s vs Normal Aging
It turns out that everyone loses some memory-making and cognitive abilities as they age. The decline typically begins by age 40 and continues.
So, occasional forgetfulness like “Where did I leave my keys?” or “What did I come here to get?” probably isn’t something to worry about.
There are signs that the behavior you’re observing could be outside the norm. Here’s how that might look in 5 everyday situations:
VIDEO: Is it Alzheimer's Disease or Just Forgetfulness?
Is It Normal Aging or Alzheimer's Disease?
1. When Using the TV Remote or Microwave Become Challenging
Normal Aging: Needing help or reminders once in a while
Signs of Alzheimer's: Trouble with familiar or daily tasks like getting lost driving to a local store they’ve shopped for 10 years, forgetting how to make a favorite recipe they’ve cooked for decades, or not understanding how to play a card game they play regularly.
2. When Paying Bills or Cooking Meals Becomes an Event
Normal Aging: Making mistakes once in a while when balancing a checkbook or cooking a meal (Oops, forgot the paprika!).
Signs of Alzheimer's: Difficulty planning, problem solving, or sequencing steps, such as trouble following a familiar recipe or being unable to keep track of monthly bills.
3. When Keeping Track of Time Becomes Problematic
Normal Aging: Sometimes getting temporarily confused about the day of the week, then figuring it out later. (Is today Tuesday or Wednesday? Oh, that’s right, it’s Wednesday.)
Signs of Alzheimer's: Having trouble tracking dates, seasons, and the passage of time, and sometimes forgetting where they are or how they got there.
4. Using Poor Judgement and Decision-Making
Normal aging: Once in a while, using poor judgment or making bad decisions, like drinking too much at a big party or spending too much money on something frivolous.
Signs of Alzheimer's: Frequently uses bad judgment or makes unwise decisions like giving large amounts of money to telemarketers or scammers, buying tons of unnecessary stuff from online shopping channels, or paying less attention than usual to personal hygiene – like wearing the same clothes, refusing to bathe, etc.
5. Noticing Personality Changes
Normal Aging: Getting annoyed or irritated when a long-held habit or routine is disrupted.
Signs of Alzheimer’s: Noticeable changes in mood or personality, such as getting confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Or, being easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they’re out of their comfort zone.
What to do if you notice behavior changes
If you notice significant, serious, or sudden changes in your older adult's behavior, schedule a checkup with their doctor right away.
If these changes are caused by Alzheimer's or dementia, early detection and treatment could help reduce and manage symptoms – allowing them to stay independent longer.
Next Step Find out more about 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s from the Alzheimer’s Association
Recommended for you:
- 7 Treatable Health Conditions with Dementia-Like Symptoms
- Mild Cognitive Impairment: Not Dementia, But More Than Normal Forgetfulness
- SAGE Test: 15 Minute At-Home Test for Alzheimer’s
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
A fabulous website. Everything was helpful….some info was not available on site but I am sure maybe later on?
I encourage others, like myself, get acquainted with all before it becomes a challenge in your life of parents lives, or worse yet, your adult child becomes estranged…Thank you. You are a blessing
Thank you! So glad our articles are helpful. If you have specific questions, please let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them.
One of the worst mistakes you’ll commit while dealing with your aging parent’s negative actions is to take it personally. When your father starts acting so rudely, it’s most likely because of something that is not even your fault. Often, you just happen to be there so you become the recipient of his frustrations. It is also wrong to assume that the problem is you. Don’t blame yourself if your elderly loved one displays upsetting actions. Instead, do the best you can to help him overcome this obstacle.
Not taking negative behavior personally is a very helpful technique. But it’s natural for caregivers to instinctively take it to heart when someone they’re caring for says something negative. It’s certainly not the caregiver’s fault for taking something personally, but hopefully Sue Anne’s suggestion to remember that you’re not the problem and you’re not to blame for the behavior will help take some of the sting out of it.