I got a call from a client’s son out of town that his mother was delusional. I went to see her and found that to be true so I called 911. One of the EMT’s said to me, “Oh, it must be Alzheimer’s.” That is a common misconception that any memory loss in someone older is automatically Alzheimer’s Disease.
What is the difference?
As we age our bodies not only slow down but our brains do too. It is normal to forget a name or date temporarily, or where you left something. When these things become pervasive and consistent, it may be Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, or an illness.
For example, if I have five grandchildren, I may forget one of their names while talking about them. That is normal. If I am told his name and it doesn’t resonate with me, then that is a problem. Generally, if you forget something and then are reminded about it and remember it, things should be okay. Forgetting what you should remember is a problem.
When I forget something, I always check in with myself and ask what is going on? I am either trying to do too much at once or I am preoccupied by something else in my life.
Signs of Alzheimer’s
Some signs of Alzheimer’s are:
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Showing no interest in hobbies or activities that once brought joy. This can also be a sign of depression.
- Poor hygiene. Again this can be a sign of depression as well.
- Consistently forgetting the same thing like keys or appointments, despite systems to remember them.
- Forgetting that you attended a important events like weddings of close relatives in the last few years.
- Alzheimer’s attacks short term memory first. Long term memory may not seem to be affected at all.
Alzheimer’s verses other types of memory loss
Dementia is a catch phrase for memory loss illnesses. In addition to Alzheimer’s there is Lewy Body dementia and vascular dementia as other common forms of dementia. Early onset dementia exists, but it is fairly rare. The most common predictor of Alzheimer’s Disease is age. Alzheimer’s is an illness of the brain – normal aging is not.
Another very common health issue that causes forgetfulness and agitation is urinary tract infections. It is more prevalent than you may realize. Unlike Alzheimer’s which develops gradually, a UTI shows symptoms more suddenly.
If you notice a cognitive change in your family member, the best place to start is with their primary care physician or nurse practitioner. They will investigate all possible reasons for the memory change and go from there. Do not proclaim a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s yourself and think that is normal and do nothing. You could be denying that person health care that can solve or reduce symptoms.
How to combat normal aging memory issues
There are some things you can do to help people with normal aging. This works for busy people too.
- Make list of things to do.
- Use sticky notes.
- Set up a special place for keys and glasses. Holders for keys or glasses holders work well.
- Try to set up routines. Doing the same thing every time becomes a habit that requires less thinking.
- Use a calendar, either on your phone or in paper. Put reminders on the calendar as well as events.
- Eat right, get enough sleep and exercise.
- Socialize and do not isolate yourself.
Final Thoughts
As the population ages, Alzheimer’s Disease will become more prevalent. Since there is no definitive test to diagnose it, and other conditions look like it, people are too cavalier and throw the term around. Alzheimer’s Disease is a serious brain disease with lifelong implications. Normal aging comes with some forgetting. Educating yourself about the difference between disease and normal aging will allow you to seek help when it is necessary and needed.