Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer's

Signs of Alzheimer's	Typical age-related changes
Poor judgment and decision making	Making a bad decision once in a while
Inability to manage a budget	Missing a monthly payment
Losing track of the date or the season	Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
Difficulty having a conversation	Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them	Losing things from time to time

When you see your doctor

"It took my mother having a stress-related heart attack before we quit dismissing my father's progressing dementia to 'senior moments' and got him a proper diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Had we paid attention to the warning signs of this disease, a lot of prevention could have been in place." -Brent

Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well your mind is working. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such
as a:

• Neurologist – specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
• Psychiatrist – specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
• Psychologist – has special training in testing memory and other mental functions
• Geriatrician – specializes in the care of older adults and Alzheimer's disease

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2016_01_13&utm_source=enews-aff-28&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2016-01-13#typical

Last 5 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

6.       New problems with words in speaking or writing           
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7.       Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps              
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What's a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

8.       Decreased or poor judgment    
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What's a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision once in a while.

9.       Withdrawal from work or social activities           
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10.   Changes in mood and personality           
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What's a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2016_01_13&utm_source=enews-aff-28&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2016-01-13#signs