As we age, we develop normal age-related memory loss, and sometimes our memory loss could relate to lack of sleep or stress. However, sometimes your frequent memory loss could be a sign of premature Alzheimer’s.
Studies show if Alzheimer’s disease is caught early, it can be treated with anti-dementia medication, which slows the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, however, many doctors attribute the signs of Alzheimer’s to getting older and not the disease. Here are some of the differences between normal forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s:
Retrieving Memories
You might have issues remembering things from long ago with normal age-related memory loss. Still, you usually remember something you might have forgotten with aids such as context clues. However, for people battling Alzheimer’s, even recent memories cannot be retrieved.
For example, when diagnosing a patient with Alzheimer’s, the doctor might give them three words. One of the words is “apple.” However, when the doctor asks the patient to repeat the three words, and they cannot repeat them, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
Here is a portion of a summary from the website verywellhealth.com that shares the differences between forgetfulness caused by normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Normal Aging
- Memory improves with context clues.
- Vocabulary and relationship understanding remains intact.
- Able to remember the order of things and who said what.
- Aware a memory problem exists.
- Functioning remains good despite forgetfulness.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
- Recent memory is poor, and cueing clues or contexts does not help.
- Unaware memory problems exist.
- They are frequently demonstrating poor judgment and decision-making.
- Often disoriented to time and place
- Difficulty with familiar chores
- Repetitiveness becomes obvious
- Memory intrusions occur
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we at Next Day Access understand the heartbreak and frustration associated with the diagnosis. We are here for you. We offer numerous products that help people battling Alzheimer’s remain safe in their homes. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.