When it comes to aging, most of us have a variety of concerns. One of the most prevalent relates to protecting our cognition and memory—we may worry when we forget things, especially if we’ve always had a good memory for details. We may find ourselves asking: Is this just normal aging or a red flag for something more serious?
As media coverage about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia has increased in recent years, it’s easy to understand why this question is becoming more common. There’s also no discounting the fact that dementia is on the rise. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, 55 million people worldwide live with some form of dementia. That number is predicted to nearly double every 20 years. By 2050, experts estimate that 139 million people will receive a diagnosis of dementia.
If you are an older adult or the caregiver for one, it’s important to learn more about dementia, including early warning signs.
What Is Dementia?
In normal aging, it’s not unusual to forget where you put something, like your car keys or purse, and later find it on the sofa or counter. By contrast, placing your keys or purse in the oven or in the freezer might be a sign that something is wrong.
Dementia is an umbrella term, not a disease. The Alzheimer’s Association defines it as “an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience if they are living with a variety of diseases.” There are many forms of dementia, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Huntington’s dementia
- Parkinson’s dementia
- Mixed dementia
Of these, Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common.
What Are the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
It’s normal for memory loss to occur as you age. But if you forget something, you or your loved one will likely remember it later. However, with Alzheimer’s disease, lost memories—especially recently learned information—are usually gone for good. This forgetfulness is disruptive to daily life.
Other early warning signs of the disease can be:
- Trouble with familiar steps or processes, such as following a recipe or keeping up with bill paying
- Losing track of dates, seasons or where you are, even in a familiar location
- Struggling to find the right word or calling things by the wrong name
- Asking the same question over and over or repeating the same information multiple times
- Difficulty participating in a conversation, especially following the topic being discussed
- Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, suspicion or withdrawal from social activities
- Giving away money to strangers or falling victim to scams
- Neglecting personal hygiene, especially bathing and showering
What Should You Do If You Suspect Alzheimer’s?
If you are concerned your memory problems or those of a senior loved one might be more than just an ordinary sign of aging, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They can conduct a physical exam to rule out other common health conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s, such as an undetected infection or a thyroid problem.
A primary care physician might order further testing and also consult with specialists, such as a neurologist, in an effort to make a definitive diagnosis. Testing could include blood work and brain-imaging scans.
After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
Should the diagnosis be Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, we have a free guide you might find useful. Memory Care Options: Making an Informed Decision will help you create a plan for your loved one’s care, from nutrition to safety.
We invite you to come visit and talk to our team about the options available.
