Dementia or Normal Memory Loss? 10 Signs of What's Normal & Not
Worried about your memory or ability to recall information? Understand the difference between the symptoms of early onset dementia and normal memory loss.
When evaluating whether one’s memory loss is normal or not, people may become concerned that old age and memory lapses point to dementia or Alzheimer’s onset. Diagnosing dementia is not an easy task and is best left for medical professionals. However, understanding what signs and symptoms of dementia exist and your own risk factors can be important. If one does have dementia, getting a diagnosis early can mean the difference between quality of life over a period of years.
Learn to differentiate the difference between indications that early onset dementia is a concern versus normal or age-related memory loss. By understanding the components of each, you may be able to spot the onset of dementia before progression becomes debilitating and interventions can take place to slow the disease. Plus, you don’t have to fret over every incident in which your memory slips.
What’s Normal and Not in 10 Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Memory loss which disturbs daily life
We all forget things from time to time, but how do you know when you might be concerned and what might be the occasional slip of the mind?
Warning signs of dementia
A very common symptom of Alzheimer’s or dementia in the early stage is forgetting recent information, otherwise known as short-term memory loss. Examples might also include forgetting important events or dates, continuing to ask the same questions over and over, or an increasing need to rely on memory aids such as notes and electronics. Having to rely on loved ones for this information is another warning sign. These are all particularly true when these items could previously be done without the assistance of others or devices mentioned here.
Normal memory loss
If you forget names and appointments at times, this may be normal. If you have a momentary lapse of information but then recall the information at a later date, this can also be normal behavior. Even the occasional slip of memory that is related to something important may be ok. Be watchful for general patterns that could indicate a bigger issue as opposed to the occasional lapse of memory here and there.
Trouble planning or solving problems
Older adults with dementia face issues with their ability to solve problems. If basic planning is frustrating or confusing for you, read on for what is cause for concern versus a sign that you are just getting older.
Warning signs of dementia
Certain individuals dealing with dementia could experience changes in their own ability to develop a plan. They may struggle to work with numbers or deal with basic problem-solving skills. Some examples might include failing to stay on top of one’s regular bills or follow through with regularly planned items. Tasks that were routine previously may now take longer or be more difficult for them. The ability to concentrate may be hindered.
Normal memory loss
An individual that finds themselves making a mistake here and there in their planning or ability to solve problems is a normal occurrence. Errors in dealing with one’s personal finances or lapses in paying bills that are isolated incidents are also no cause for alarm. Again, look for a pattern of increasing challenges and symptoms as opposed to the occasional mistake.
Read more of our top resources on dementia and caregiving:
- 18 Myths About Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- How Caregivers and Loved Ones Can Understand the Signs and Stages of Dementia
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s: 10 Tips for Better Communication
- Caregiver Burden and Stress: Understanding It and 8 Tips to Overcome It
Everyday and family tasks are difficult to complete
Do you find tasks and challenges that were routine or easy that now seem more challenging? Consider the factor that dementia plays.
Warning signs of dementia
Individuals that have dementia or Alzheimer's generally find it harder to complete daily tasks than they were before. For example, they could have difficulties driving to familiar places, struggle with logging into websites and remembering passwords, or feel challenged in creating a grocery list.
Normal memory loss
If you find yourself struggling with technology, or navigating the remote, this is ok. Finding yourself with a lapse in thinking from time to time when it comes to daily routines may also be normal, provided that they aren’t regular or increasing in occurrence.
Finding yourself confused with times or places
Have you ever caught yourself waking up in the morning in an unfamiliar place and wondered where you were momentarily? This is just one example of what it is like for dementia sufferers which can be a regular pattern for them. Learn what is normal and not when it comes to this confusion.
Warning signs of dementia
Individuals living with Alzheimer's could lose track of times, dates, or even entire seasons themselves. They may struggle to understand something. This is especially true if it is not occurring immediately at that moment. At times, they could forget where they are, what happened, or how they got there.
Normal memory loss
Occasionally, we all lose track of time here and there. Sometimes, we even lapse in determining what day it is or what the date is. These are normal at any age. If you find yourself mixing up times and dates periodically, don’t let this be cause for concern. Isolated incidents like these can happen to anyone, age or dementia notwithstanding.
Difficulty comprehending visual images and geographic or space-related associations
Problems with your eyesight can be a surprising symptom of Alzheimer’s. If you are getting older and your eyesight is suffering, don’t panic just yet.
Warning signs of dementia
Vision problems are observed sometimes in dementia patients. This could cause them to struggle with reading or maintaining their balance. Also, they may be challenged in determining distances and or separating colors and contrasts. In addition to being a sign of dementia, it could make certain activities like driving or even walking more dangerous.
Normal memory loss
A loss of vision is a typical occurrence as people get older. They could be a result of the body breaking down or other conditions like having cataracts. When determining if visual concerns or spatial distancing concepts are a sign of dementia, consider if this issue happens in tandem with others listed here or if it appears to be a singular concern. In any case, if you have concerns, reach out to your doctor and have your eyesight checked routinely.
Sudden problems arise with speaking or writing words
Have you been feeling mentally foggy recently? Spot the difference between when these brain blocks are normal and when they could indicate a bigger concern.
Warning signs of dementia
Sufferers of dementia and Alzheimer's may find it challenging to join or follow a conversation. For example, they could pause during a conversation and suddenly feel paralyzed or confused. They may not be sure how to continue. Those with dementia often repeat themselves. Afflicted individuals might have trouble with vocabulary, find lapses when naming everyday objects, and even use the wrong name for an object altogether.
Normal memory loss
Perhaps you just can’t find the right word from time to time. You find that something is right on the tip of your tongue, or feels just beyond your mental grasp. Annoying as it may be, it’s probably normal. The occasional slip up isn’t any reason you should be worried.
Losing track of items or incapable of retracing steps
Missing keys or cell phones occasionally have us running all over the house in a frantic search. Learn to identify at what point regularly missing items could signal a worrying sign of dementia.
Warning signs of dementia
Individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may place things in unusual places. Sufferers might lose things and find themselves unable to retrace their steps to retrieve them. A classic example of someone with dementia involves accusing others of stealing their items. This is especially the case as a disease progresses into more advanced stages.
Normal memory loss
In the example of missing keys, phones, or purses, these are not unusual to find happening to any of us. If this is you, consider the bigger picture. When you can retrace your steps to find the items after consideration, and your frequency of losing items is not increasing, then this would tend to be inside the norms of what is expected.
Diminished judgement or poor reasoning
One’s ability to make decisions and judgment in situations often changes when they have dementia. Granted, we all make mistakes and poor decisions, so read on for what signs are specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Warning signs of dementia
As mentioned, sufferers from dementia could show changes in their judgement ability or capacity to make sound decisions. For example, they may use bad judgment when managing finances. They also may focus less on hygiene or grooming practices, which show up in their appearance.
Normal memory loss
All human beings make mistakes, bad judgement calls, and other questionable decisions from time to time. However, just because you leave your home a little less tidy than normal or a loved one overdraws on their bank account does not indicate that dementia is present.
Withdrawing from social engagements or work responsibilities
There are many reasons that people might partake less in activities that once interested them. Some of these are definitely potential concerns at any age. However, they don’t always indicate that dementia is prevalent.
Warning signs of dementia
People living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may show changes in their ability to hold or maintain conversations, as previously indicated. Consequently, they could withdraw from activities, hobbies, and other areas of interest that they previously enjoyed. These individuals may struggle to keep up with some activities that they excelled in formerly.
Normal memory loss
We all have good days and bad. Sometimes, people may be uninterested in social or family matters. If these issues are more than just sporadic cases, then you may want to consider dementia if other symptoms are present. Even when they are not, these behaviors could indicate other health conditions affecting individuals, such as depression or anxiety.
Changes observed in personality or mood
When life has its ups and downs, or if we are just having a bad day, our mood may change. While we may struggle from time to time, identifying when these issues are routine or an indication of dementia onset are vital.
Warning signs of dementia
Individuals that have dementia or Alzheimer’s often demonstrate personality changes and mood swings that affect their daily lives. They can show signs of depression, confusion, fear, anxiety, and suspicion. Sufferers could find themselves upset or agitated easily regardless of whether they are in the comfort of their own home, with friends, or in an unfamiliar place.
Normal memory loss
Carrying out a very specific routine is inherent in some individuals. If you have specific ways of doing things or want something to be “just rightâ€, interruption of your routine may cause you to be irritated or upset. This alone does not indicate that dementia is a prevailing factor.
Taking next steps
Many individuals, especially older adults, worry about becoming forgetful. They consider forgetfulness to be a warning sign of dementia Alzheimer's disease. However, memory loss or problems don’t always indicate that dementia or Alzheimer’s is developing.
By understanding the differences between the signs of dementia and normal memory loss, you can be more well prepared to fight the effects of dementia or offer support and comfort to a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Not all families or loved ones have the time available to provide support, activities, and needed care for those with dementia. Look into innovations or technologies that can supplement family caregiving. If you find that you need a little extra support for you or your loved one, consider home care which can be very supportive for those that live with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Chosen Family Home Care can assist with at-home support in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.