Understanding the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s vs. Normal Aging

Dear Donna:

My family and I help out a neighbor, George, who lives alone. He’s almost 90 years old and has been on his own for a few years now. Recently, we’ve noticed some changes in him that we aren’t sure are a normal part of aging. We don’t want to jump the gun and worry him, but we also don’t want to miss an important health diagnosis. George’s father had Alzheimer’s at a very young age.

We’re trying to figure out if what we are seeing might be early signs of Alzheimer’s or if it’s just normal aging. Do you know how we can tell the difference?

Sincerely,

Maggie in Saginaw, MI

Early-Stage Alzheimer’s or Normal Aging

Dear Maggie:

This is a topic that comes up often, especially in families that have had a loved one diagnosed with dementia before. The best person to consult is a physician, but I can point out a few differences to look for.

Telling the Difference Between Normal Aging and Alzheimer’s

Forgetting where you put your keys is annoying. Forgetting what keys are for is different. As people age, a certain amount of memory slippage is expected. The brain, like every other organ, changes over time. But distinguishing that normal slowdown from the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, especially since both can look similar.

Understanding the distinctions can help families know when a conversation with a doctor is worth having.

Normal Aging

Typical age-related changes tend to be mild, occasional, and manageable. A person might:

• Momentarily forget a name but recall it later
• Occasionally misplace items, then retrace steps to find them
• Take slightly longer to learn new information or technology
• Have minor lapses in word-finding during conversation
• Make an infrequent error managing finances or a schedule but generally remain independent

These changes don’t typically interfere with day-to-day functioning. The person remains aware of the lapse, and life continues largely as normal—they can still work, manage a household, drive safely, and follow conversations.

Signs That May Point to Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease involves a progressive decline that goes well beyond occasional forgetfulness. Warning signs include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or repeatedly asking for the same information
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Struggling to follow a favorite recipe or forgetting how to get to a familiar place
• Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or how they got somewhere
• Trouble with language: Struggling to follow or join a conversation, repeating themselves, or calling things by the wrong name
• Poor judgment: Giving away large sums of money, neglecting hygiene, or falling for scams more easily than before
• Withdrawal from work or social activities: Avoiding hobbies or social engagements due to the changes they’re noticing in themselves
• Personality or mood changes: Becoming confused, suspicious, anxious, or easily upset

A key distinction to keep in mind is that with normal aging, a person usually notices their own lapse and can self-correct. With Alzheimer’s, the person is often unaware of the extent of the problem, and the decline tends to worsen steadily.

Why the Distinction Matters

Not all memory concerns point to Alzheimer’s. There are a variety of conditions that can mimic Alzheimer’s or similar forms of dementia. Those range from an undiagnosed infection to depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, and more.

This is part of why a proper Alzheimer’s medical evaluation matters. A doctor can run cognitive assessments, blood work, and sometimes imaging to identify the actual cause.

When to Seek Help

If memory or cognitive changes are new, progressive, and start affecting someone’s ability to manage their normal responsibilities, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a physician. Early diagnosis, whatever the cause turns out to be, opens the door to treatment options, support planning, and—in the case of dementia—access to therapies that may slow progression.

Should your neighbor receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, please keep Heritage communities in mind for care. Our specialized dementia care programs help people live their best life despite the disease.

Kind regards,

Donna