All of us have misplaced our keys, glasses or watch at one time or another. But what does it mean if someone tells you that they found your eyeglasses in the refrigerator?
Many more Americans fear the loss of mental ability than physical disability. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) slowly and deliberately destroys brain cells and function. It relentlessly cripples a person’s memories, language, thoughts, emotions and behavior
As you get older, it’s not unusual for a man or woman to slow down both physically and mentally. It might take a few more seconds to find the right word or a bit longer to assemble furniture from your favorite manufacturer.
You may remark, “My mind is not as sharp as it used to be, but I still have my marbles.” With normal aging your intelligence remains reliable.
The challenge for the family who is concerned about a loved one remains: “Are the person’s memory lapses or bizarre behavior senior moments or the initial stages of AD?
When should the person or family seek medical advice? How can you tell the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s?
Six Red Flags of Alzheimer’s versus Six Normal Aging Behaviors
1. Memory Loss
AD — Alzheimer’s disease
Memory loss is a common red flag of Alzheimer’s. They have trouble learning new information and forget newly learned information. They have difficulty remembering names, faces, dates and events. People with AD ask the same question or tell the same story again and again.
NA — Normal Aging
People forget names, dates or events, but remember them later.
2. Language
AD
People with the disease struggle to find the right words while speaking or writing. They have difficulty holding a conversation or may call things by the wrong name.
NA
Occasionally the elderly forget names or have trouble finding the right word.
3. Poor Executive Functions
AD
Thinking, reasoning or organizing are problematic. AD individuals make regrettable decisions. They used poor judgment in handling their affairs, especially with money. Telemarketers find them an easy prey. They pay less attention to grooming and keeping themselves clean.
NA
Every so often you make a bad decision, you still go to the barber or hairdresser and you’re not unkempt.
4. Behavioral Changes
AD
People with AD misplace things and lack the ability to retrace steps. They lose track of the passage of time and place. They may forget where they are and how they got there…
They have a short attention span and people notice they’re repeating the same questions or stories. They experience difficulty completing familiar tasks, whether it’s cooking at home, driving to work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
NA
With normal aging, the individual is oriented as to time, place and events and intelligence remains dependable.
5. Mood and Personality Changes
AD
A person with Alzheimer’s can easily become upset or angry when they’re outside their comfort zone. They can become confused, fearful and suspicious. They can withdraw from social activities and show signs of depression.
NA
It’s not unusual for seniors to become irritated when their specific routine is disrupted. They can also become weary of family and social obligations.
6. Functional Decline
AD
People with severe late onset Alzheimer’s are totally dependent on others for basic necessities, such as eating, washing and dressing.
NA
NA people are engaged in daily activities and are capable of independent living
A common viewpoint about individuals with Alzheimer’s is that there is no known cause of the disease and it’s incurable. Others maintain there are many causes of this disease and a lot can be done to help these patients especially if the problem is diagnosed in its early stages.
References
Alzheimer’s Association; 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Anticaglia, Joseph R; Alzheimer’s Disease A healthcare Tsunami; HC Smart, 2018
Anticaglia, Joseph R; The Five Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease The Long Goodbye; HC Smart, 2018
Addendum
For information about Alzheimer’s disease:
https://alz.org/
(800) 272-3900
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.