Is It Normal Aging or Early Memory Loss? How to Know the Difference

Many symptoms of early memory loss can look a lot like normal aging. Without understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, it can be hard to tell the difference. Unlike normal aging, where a few forgetful moments are commonplace, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease completely disrupt a person’s daily life. In addition to memory problems, seniors living with Alzheimer’s experience a variety of cognitive and physical impairments that can, in no way, be considered normal.

With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in our population, it’s more important than ever to make families aware of early symptoms of this disease. The sooner the disease is detected and diagnosed, the sooner a loved one can start receiving the proper care, including guidance in how to best plan for the future.

Until there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s, the most important thing we can do is educate everyone we can about the early signs and symptoms, so families can recognize when their loved ones need help.

What’s Normal for My Age?

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association and other prominent organizations committed to spreading knowledge and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, trustworthy resources are readily available for families seeking advice on concerning symptoms. If you suspect that you or a loved one might be exhibiting early signs of memory loss, consider these comparisons between memory loss and normal aging:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

Early Memory Loss: Forgetting new information or important names and dates, relying on memory aids and frequent reminders from family members

Normal Aging: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Early Memory Loss: Having difficulty making a plan and following it, having difficulty concentrating, especially when working with numbers or step-by-step instructions

Normal Aging: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Early Memory Loss: Forgetting where an item is kept, how to drive to a familiar place, or how to play their favorite game

Normal Aging: Sometimes needing help to record a TV show or access a computer program

4. Confusion with time or place

Early Memory Loss: Losing track of dates, seasons or the passage of time, forgetting where they are or how they got there

Normal Aging: Forgetting the date or day of the week but realizing it later

5. Trouble with visual images or spatial relationships

Early Memory Loss: Difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color

Normal Aging: Vision changes due to cataracts or low vision

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

Early Memory Loss: Having trouble following a conversation or finding the right words, making up new words, stopping mid-sentence and not knowing how to continue

Normal Aging: Occasional trouble finding the right word

7. Losing the ability to retrace steps

Early Memory Loss: Misplacing things in unusual places and not knowing how to find them, may accuse others of stealing from them

Normal Aging: Misplacing an object but retraces steps to find it

8. Decreased or poor judgment

Early Memory Loss: Mishandling money and giving away large amounts to telemarketers, ceasing to take care of personal grooming or appearance

Normal Aging: Making a bad decision once in awhile

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

Early Memory Loss: Removing themselves from hobbies and social situations, either because they have trouble remembering or are embarrassed by the changes they’ve experienced

Normal Aging: Occasional weariness of social obligations or the desire for some free time

10. Changes in mood or personality

Early Memory Loss: Becoming increasingly confused, anxious, suspicious, fearful or depressed, may be easily upset around people and places that are outside of their comfort zone

Normal Aging: Becoming irritable when lifelong routines get disrupted

As you can see, frequency and reason are good ways to tell if a loved one’s behavior is due to memory loss or normal aging. Often, those with early memory loss make mistakes or misjudgments that seem unreasonable or bizarre. If you find yourself having difficulty justifying their actions, it could point to dementia. If you recognize any of the early signs of memory loss in yourself or a loved one, see your doctor right away for further evaluation.

Helping You Take Care

“Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay cares for the seniors that we meet as if they were our own family,” says Clanton. “We understand the challenges of caring for a loved one, even when their only ailment is due to age. But we also know from experience how difficult it can be when an older loved one starts to experience memory impairments.

“Our team of specially trained caregivers and memory care experts are here to answer any of your questions or concerns about your loved one’s health. If you would like to know more about recognizing Alzheimer’s symptoms or how to care for your loved one in its earliest stages, call us today for compassionate guidance and support.”