Does Your Loved One Have Alzheimer’s Disease or Normal Aging?

January 12, 2018  |  Dementia Care, In Home Care for Seniors

Experiencing forgetfulness from time to time is normal. It is very common for people to experience some memory loss as they age as well. However, Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of the normal aging process. It can be very difficult to watch a senior loved one struggle with memory loss. And extremely frightening when confronted with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While the symptoms can appear similar, it is possible to tell the difference between an age-associated impairment and dementia. You don’t have to go through this alone, though. Our trained Alzheimer’s caregivers are always here to help.

Have you ever walked along a shoreline, only to have your footprints washed away? That’s what Alzheimer’s is like. The waves erase the marks we leave behind, all the sand castles. Some days are better than others.

~Pat Summitt

Differences Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Normal Aging

Past and Recent Conversations

While a senior undergoing normal aging may not be able to recall a conversation they had with a grandchild a year ago, a dementia sufferer would not be able to remember a very recent conversation.

Names of Acquaintances and Family Members

If a loved one is unable to remember the name of an acquaintance, that’s part of the normal aging process. What if Mom or Dad can’t recall the names of family members? Well, that’s a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Vocabulary Issues

Occasionally having trouble finding the right words characterizes normal aging. However, frequently pausing and consistently struggling to remember words points to an underlying medical condition causing this memory loss.

Who’s Worried?

If you are worried about your forgetfulness while family members are not, you are most likely experiencing normal memory loss due to aging. What if loved ones are worried about your memory loss while you are not? That points to a bigger problem you may not be capable of seeing.

Arrange Alzheimer’s Care in Massachusetts

At Advanced Home Care Services, we understand and appreciate how difficult coping with the stress of parent caregiving can be, especially when Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias are involved. Our senior care services can alleviate some of the burdens from you and your loved ones. Keeping Alzheimer’s patients included this year is important for the whole family. Please contact us today to arrange a free in-home senior care consultation.

If you’d like to learn more about memory loss, please check out our post on 5 signs of Alzheimer’s disease, read up on Alzheimer’s symptoms and causes, and visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for valuable information.