Caregiver’s Answers, Topics, and Helpful Information

In an endeavor to continually assist caregivers in their search for pertinent information regarding eldercare, our Information and Referral Specialists address topics of most frequently asked questions via Caregiver’s Answers, Topics and Helpful Information (CATHI). Additionally, caregivers are also invited to e-mail individual questions and an Information and Referral Specialist will reply.

Dear CATHI,

Question: How can you tell the difference between normal signs of aging and dementia?

Answer: For many caregivers it can be hard to distinguish the difference between normal signs of aging and signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Knowing the signs of dementia can help with early detection of the disease.

What’s the Difference?

Signs of Alzheimer’s/dementia Normal age-related changes

Poor judgment/decision making Making a bad decision once in while

Inability to manage a budget Missing a monthly payment

Losing track of the date or season Forgetting an appointment but remembering it

later

Difficulty having a conversation Sometimes forgetting which word to use

Misplacing things and being Losing things from time to time

unable to retrace your steps

Knowing the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease/dementia may be difficult. For example, if an individual always had trouble balancing their checkbook then difficulty completing this task is most likely not a warning sign. If their ability to balance a checkbook has recently changed then it is something you should share with their doctor. To help distinguish this difference, the Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of ten warning signs.

The Ten Warning Signs

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  4. Confusion with time or place
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  6. New problem with words in speaking or writing
  7. Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps
  8. Decreased or poor judgment
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  10. Changes in mood and personality

If you or your loved one is experiencing one or more of the ten warning signs please see a doctor. For more information go to: http://alz.org/

The information in this article was adapted from the “Is it Alzheimer’s or just signs of aging?” brochure, created by Alzheimer’s Association, 2011.

Note: This is for informational purposes only.

For referrals to community organizations in Guilford County that assist older adults and caregivers with these documents, contact Senior Resources of Guilford’s SeniorLine at (336) 884-6981 in High Point, all other areas (336) 333-6981 or the Caregiver Support Coordinator, at (336) 373-4816 or (336) 883-3586 in High Point.