Is It Normal or Is It Alzheimer’s? Three Patterns to Help Distinguish

There comes a point in most seniors’ lives when they notice a change in their cognition. They might have difficulty remembering certain events or lose focus during a conversation. They may find themselves walking into their bedroom, instantly forgetting why they came into the room in the first place. Their family might grow concerned about memory loss as their aging parents repeat stories or forget significant life events. While it’s normal for seniors to experience occasional memory lapses, more frequent “senior moments” could be an early sign of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It’s a great month to learn about what’s normal and what isn’t when it comes to the aging brain. What’s unfortunate about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is that the early stages are often undetected. Most early staged dementia patients can mask their symptoms, often fooling those closest to them, including themselves. However, an early dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis could give those seniors a higher quality of life as they have more time to plan for their future. If you are a senior and are concerned about your memory lapses, here are three pattens to help distinguish between normal aging and Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Frequency of Memory Lapses

It’s normal to experience a lapse in memory from time to time. When memory lapses become more and more frequent and begin to disrupt daily life, then there is cause for concern. For example, forgetting a newly learned name or forgetting about an upcoming appointment is normal, especially when you recall that information later. What isn’t normal is frequently forgetting about an upcoming appointment or missing it altogether. It’s also not normal to forget familiar names, such as a family member or friend. It’s normal to forget to put the laundry in the dryer once the wash cycle has completed. It’s not normal to forget to wash your clothes or where you left your clothes (in the washing machine). Look for pattens of disruption to your daily routine and keep track of how often those disruptions occur.

Change in Mood or Personality

Another pattern that could indicate Alzheimer’s is a change in mood or personality. It’s normal for a senior to experience bouts of loneliness, depression, frustration, anger, or anxiety. It’s not normal aging to experience a change in mood or personality. For example, a senior might be feeling lonely and anxious during the COVID-19 crisis. They could have difficulty coping or need additional support from family to navigate the ups and downs of current events. This is completely normal and not cause for concern. It becomes concerning when a senior is unable to pull themselves out of erratic moods or when there seems to be a change in their personality. A senior who was typically content but is now easily agitated or irritable could be experiencing early stages of Alzheimer’s. Look for patterns of behaviors that result in an irritable mood or a change in personality.

Increased Confusion

Finally, another pattern to keep in mind is increased confusion. It’s normal for a senior to take longer to process a conversation, especially if they have difficulty hearing. It’s also normal for a senior to face some confusion while learning a new skill, such as how to use a smart phone or tablet. It’s not normal for a senior to ask the same questions repeatedly or be unable to manage household tasks that were previously simple for them. Another pattern to look for is how they’re handling their finances. It’s normal to forget to pay a bill from time to time. It’s not normal to forget how to balance a checkbook, write a check, or handle financial transactions. If you notice a patten of increased confusion, then it might be Alzheimer’s disease.

No senior wants to admit that their memory lapses might be Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. However, not all memory lapses mean that a dementia diagnosis is on the horizon. If you are a senior who is experiencing frequent memory lapses that result in a disruption in your daily routine, it might be time to seek a professional evaluation. If you have any concern about memory loss, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor and establish a baseline for your memory. Over time, your doctor can monitor your memory and look for significant changes that might point to Alzheimer’s.

In addition to seeking a professional evaluation, know that Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita is here for you. We are remarkably familiar with dementia care and believe in offering choice to create a customized care plan that meets your needs. Our compassionate caregivers have received exceptional training in dementia education so you can feel comfortable knowing you are in great hands. An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis does not mean you need to move to a memory care community. With the senior home care services provided by Visiting Angels, you can remain in the familiar, comfortable environment of your own home. With us, you can also give your family peace of mind knowing you are receiving the care you need to thrive. Please contact us today by calling 661-263-2273 and let us start this care journey with you.