As we get older, our cognitive abilities can tend to change. Sometimes we may worry that memory struggles are a sign of dementia.
But there are key differences between memory loss associated with normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
“With normal aging, you may forget somebody’s name, but it will come to you later. It may take longer to learn something new, but you can still learn new things. You may be slower at processing things, but you should still be able to recall them,” says Lindsey Dahl, M.D., an internal and geriatric medicine specialist at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota.
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are marked by cognitive impairment and memory loss, personality changes and impaired reasoning.
“Alzheimer’s disease has to do with plaques and tangles getting clogged in the brain cells, affecting how they talk to each other,” says Dr. Dahl.
Aging and memory loss
All of us have times when our memory doesn’t seem to be working like it should. There are common things many of us will forget, especially as we get older.
“People forget people's names. They may wake up at 2 a.m. and remember the person's name and if they’re doing that, it’s probably just fine and normal. But if they’re forgetting a name and never coming up with it again, then that’s more abnormal,” Dr. Dahl says.
Sometimes medications can affect a person’s memory. Other factors that affect memory are poor sleep, stress and anxiety.
“There can be brain fog when someone is going through perimenopausal symptoms and there can also be word-finding difficulties during that,” says Dr. Dahl.
Memory loss can also be caused by mild cognitive impairment.
“It’s a diagnosis where your memory is maybe not normal for aging, but it’s not necessarily dementia. What distinguishes mild cognitive impairment from dementia is that with dementia, someone is no longer able to function in their life without support,” says Dr. Dahl.
Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Dahl sees patients and their families when they have concerns about Alzheimer’s disease.
“Typically, they come in saying they have problems with their memory and they’re forgetting things. Families most often note that loved ones are asking repeat questions, forgetting to pay bills or forgetting to show up to appointments. Those are what you see with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Dahl says.
Families should be aware of signs that may point to Alzheimer’s disease.
“If they’ve forgotten things on the stove and it’s happened more than once or they got an updated phone and no matter how many times you’ve helped them try to learn, they just can’t figure it out. Those are some of the early things people may see,” says Dr. Dahl.
On a positive note, advances are being made to help providers determine if someone has Alzheimer’s disease – meaning they can get help sooner.
“We’re coming up with specialized PET scans, lumbar punctures and blood tests that are going to help us truly define whether a person has Alzheimer’s disease. A lot is being done in the research space, but not quite in the clinical setting yet,” Dr. Dahl says.
When to seek medical advice
If you see you signs of memory loss in your loved one, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
“I think if they’re forgetting their medications and you have to set up pill reminders and they’re requiring some assistance to do their daily activities, then maybe that’s dementia. Sometimes you’re just doing things to help them out and not because they couldn’t necessarily do it on their own. So, it’s good to ask yourself why you’re taking over their medication management or helping with their finances,” Dr. Dahl says.
It can be unsettling to struggle with memory issues, but there is support available.
“I think if you ever have a question or if someone brought up a concern, you should go and see your physician. Is it a medication side effect? Is it that you’re depressed or anxious and we’re not treating that? We can help determine what is causing your memory loss,” says Dr. Dahl.
Resources to help
The Good Samaritan Society offers memory care assisted living for those who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
Memory care assisted living has trained staff members who make sure residents get help when they need it while promoting independence. The environment is uniquely designed to support people living with memory-related conditions.
The Society is an affiliate of Sanford Health, which has several supportive services for people with memory loss, including neurologists, neuropsychiatric specialists, primary care physicians and social workers.
If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, an early diagnosis can provide you with the support you need to live as safely and independently as possible.
