AGE RELATED MEMORY LOSS V.S. EARLY SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S

Memory loss is often characterized as a common, typical side effect of aging. It is important to know and understand the difference between typical memory loss due to aging and warning signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementias.  

Some common signs of typical age related memory loss include:

• Making a bad decision once in a while
• Missing an appointment that was scheduled weeks or months in advance
• Forgetting what day of the week it is but ultimately remembering
• Stumbling over which word to use during a conversation but comprehending the conversation overall 
• Losing or misplacing things from time to time
• Minor agitation from time to time
• Difficulty driving to a new, unfamiliar location
• Forgetting to take medication every once in a while but ultimately remembering to take it.

It may be frustrating to forget things every once in a while but this may very well be common memory loss.

It is vital to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s to get diagnosed early and be able to make a plan. The following are several warning signs attributed to Alzheimer’s or other dementia's:

• Forgetting important dates such as birthdays or anniversaries 
• Asking for the same information over and over
• Needing notes around the house to remember common knowledge information
• Challenges with planning or problem solving
• Difficulty following a recipe or keeping track of bills,
• Difficulty concentrating on a movie or completing a puzzle
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks such picking out a weather appropriate outfit and getting dressed correctly
• Confusion with time or place, forgetting what season or year it is
• Having trouble driving to routine, familiar locations
• Having difficulty comprehending something that is happening in the future.
• Trouble with vision and spatial relationships not related to typical vision deterioration that include difficulty reading, recognizing color contrasts, understanding how far off the ground something is or not understanding if something is on the ceiling or right in front of them
• Problems with vocabulary and sustaining a conversation due to forgetting what it is about, calling things by the wrong word or having trouble thinking of the right word.
• Misplacing things without the ability to retrace steps, putting things in odd places and convincing others of stealing or being at fault, acting paranoid of theft
• Poor judgment that may lead to bad decision making, neglecting to bathe often, or not taking medications properly
• Mood changes not attributed to any typical cause for depression such as a death but rather unexplained anxiety, confusion, suspicious behavior, and fear.
• Feeling agitated out of their comfort zone not because they are stubborn but because they fear their surroundings and the unpredictability associated with them.

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Although a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementia's has not been found yet, early detection is still important. Do not hesitate to see your doctor, a “senior moment” could be just that but better to have all the correct information. If you or your loved one is diagnosed, you can take the time to visit the correct specialists, begin medication or treatment that can prolong independence and slow down the effects. This will also give you time to talk about a plan, what will your loved one want to do once they are unable to make decisions for themselves? Will they want to stay at home with the help of caregivers or move in with you? What is their financial situation?

​Do not leave yourself with the burden of making these decisions without their guidance. Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be scary, confusing, and stressful but by knowing and understanding the signs you can utilize precious time you may have otherwise lost.