Is it forgetfulness, ageing, or is it Alzheimer’s Disease?

As we and our loved ones age, it’s natural to experience changes in memory and cognition. However, it can be challenging to distinguish between ageing, common forgetfulness and early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. Understanding the differences between typical age-related changes and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ageing vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: The Key Differences

Memory Changes

Ageing: It’s common to occasionally forget names or appointments but remember them later. Sometimes, older adults might have difficulty finding the right word or recalling details of recent events. In fact, people of all ages do this from time to time.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Frequent memory loss that disrupts daily life is a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease. Your older loved one may forget recently learned information, important dates or events and repeatedly ask for the same information. They may also increasingly rely on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle on their own. The key thing to look out for is consistency, if it is happening on a regular basis you should raise this with an appropriate medical professional.

Problem-Solving and Planning

Ageing: When problem-solving and planning, making occasional errors such as misplacing items or forgetting to pay a bill is typical and multi-step tasks may take longer, but they can usually be completed.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Somebody with Alzheimer’s Disease will experience significant difficulties in developing and following plans or working with numbers. This could include having trouble following familiar recipes or keeping track of monthly bills. They might also struggle with concentration and take much longer to do things than they did before.

Language and Communication

Ageing: Occasionally having trouble finding the right word is normal. Older adults might sometimes forget names or use substitution words when they can’t remember the exact term they’re thinking of.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Individuals with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They might stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or repeat themselves. There can be struggles with vocabulary, leading to calling things by the wrong name or describing objects rather than naming them.

Disorientation and Confusion

Ageing: Temporarily forgetting the day of the week but remembering it later is typical. Older adults might also get lost occasionally but can generally find their way back.

Alzheimer’s Disease: People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and time. They may forget where they are or how they got there, even in familiar places, and can get lost more easily.

Judgement and Decision-Making

Ageing: Making a bad decision once in a while is normal, for example, putting off changing the oil in the car. It is common for older adults to show signs of reduced decision-making but they are still capable of making reasonable choices.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Impaired judgement and decision-making are more pronounced if your older loved one has Alzheimer’s Disease. They may show signs of poor judgement when dealing with money, pay less attention to grooming or cleanliness and may be more susceptible to scams.

Mood and Personality Changes

Ageing: Our mood and personality change as we age with us developing specific ways of doing things and can become irritable when a routine is disrupted. It is also common for older adults to potentially become a bit more socially withdrawn with age.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Somebody with this disease will have more significant and noticeable mood and personality changes. Your older loved one may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may also be easily upset at home, with friends or when they feel out of their comfort zone.

Seeking a Diagnosis

If you notice symptoms in your loved one that are concerning you or seem significantly different from typical ageing, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can provide numerous advantages:

– Access to Treatment: While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, medications and therapies can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of your loved one’s life.

– Planning for the Future: Early diagnosis allows you and your family to make informed decisions about care, legal and financial matters.

– Support and Resources: Knowing of the diagnosis can connect you and your family to support groups, counselling and resources tailored to their needs.

Understanding the differences between ageing and Alzheimer’s disease is essential to recognise when to seek medical advice. While it’s natural to experience some memory and cognitive changes as we age, significant impairments in daily functioning may indicate a more serious issue. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the quality of your loved one’s life and enable you to plan for the future and access the necessary support and resources.
If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or requires additional support, reach out to us at Radfield Home Care today. We offer personalised care plans designed to meet your loved one’s unique needs. Click here to learn how we can help enhance their quality of life.