October 24, 2017 / Blog / ilcorp

The Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Normal Memory Loss

Forgetfulness is sometimes simply part of our daily lives. We mark appointments on our calendars, write lists of items to buy at the grocery store or set alerts on our cell phones as reminders of things to remember. As you age, both your body and your brain go through changes, making forgetfulness even more common. However, many older individuals may start worrying that their memory loss is a sign of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is expected to affect more than 16 million Americans by the year 2050. As opposed to the normal memory loss that occurs as part of the aging process, memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease is severe enough to interfere with your daily life, hindering your ability to perform certain tasks and activities.

Normal Memory Loss Associated with Aging

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process. In normal aging, when you forget something you’ll often remember what it is you’ve forgotten eventually. Seniors experience memory loss for a variety of reasons, including:

• Medication side effects: If you’re taking a variety of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, like many older adults do, make sure you know the potential side effects, as some of them may cause problems with memory.
• Medical conditions: Certain health conditions such as blood clots, thyroid, kidney or liver disorders, head injury or chronic alcoholism can impact your memory.
• Emotional issues: Stress, anxiety or depression can make you more forgetful, and these emotional problems are often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Physical issues: Lack of sleep, for example, can often lead to a foggy brain the next day.

All the above can result in lapses in memory, such as:

• Forgetting where you set down items like your glasses or wallet
• Easily getting distracted
• Absentmindedness (a temporary block in retrieving a memory)
• Difficulty remembering information you just recently learned or the names of new acquaintances
• Remembering some details of an event inaccurately
• Forgetting facts or events that happened long ago

However, by making some slight adjustments to your lifestyle, like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, reducing your stress levels and engaging your brain with regular mental activity, you can slow down some of the normal cognitive decline associated with aging.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting one in five Americans. In the early stages, it can be difficult to diagnose as many of the signs resemble normal memory loss. If you’re worried you may be experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor right away. The earlier you receive a diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin which may slow the progression of the disease.

Some of the signs of Alzheimer’s include:

• Making bad decisions or displaying poor judgment
• Misplacing items regularly without the ability to find them
• Forgetting loved ones’ names
• Withdrawing socially from friends and family
• Getting lost or disoriented in familiar places
• Mixing up the words for everyday objects
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks, like balancing a checkbook or putting on clothes
• Forgetting how to do activities you’ve always enjoyed

Unlike normal memory loss which can simply be frustrating or annoying, Alzheimer’s disease is a disabling form of cognitive decline that ultimately disrupts your social life, relationships, career and hobbies.

Compassionate Memory Care in Kalispell at Immanuel Living

For those dealing with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, The Lodge at Buffalo Hill offers 24 private residences with unique, person-centered memory care programming. Our staff is specially-trained as Dementia Care Practitioners to ensure all residents are safe, comfortable and living an inspired life. Learn more about the memory care neighborhood at Immanuel Living by contacting us today.