Are those memory problems a sign of Alzheimer's Disease?
 By Deborah Newquist, PhD, MSW, CMC
Certified Geriatric Care Manager
Costa Mesa, CA
Many people experience some changes in their memory as they age. “Senior moments” they are jokingly called: the stall when you cannot immediately recall a friend’s name; walking into a room and forgetting what you went in there for; forgetting where you placed your keys. It is sometimes hard for people to know when or if these kinds of memory sputters are normal or signs of something serious like Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
Dementia is defined as memory problems which occur frequently enough and are severe enough to cause problems in a person’s day-to-day ability to function. Dementia is not a normal part of growing older. (Video Inset: NAPGCM President Phyllis Brostoff comments on symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.)
There can be many causes of dementia. The most common causes are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular problems such as strokes. But depression and nutritional imbalances can also cause memory disturbances. Some causes of dementia are reversible. Others cannot be cured but can be treated to lessen their impact.
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed the following ten warning signs of dementia.
1. Memory loss. This involves forgetting recently learned information and is one of the common early signs of dementia. For example, forgetting when an appointment is scheduled despite repeated reminders.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Examples can include losing track of the steps involved in making a meal or playing a game.
3. Problems with language. It is common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to forget simple words and substitute other words, for example forgetting what a comb is called and referring to it as “that thing you use on your hair”.
4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer’s disease can get lost driving even to familiar places and get confused about where they are.
5. Poor or decreased judgment. Sometimes people with dementia may dress inappropriately or mismanage their money in ways they never did before, such as giving their bank information to telemarketers.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. This may present itself as difficulty performing complex tasks like bill-paying and balancing the checkbook.
7. Misplacing things. Aside from forgetting where the keys are located, household items may be placed in unusual places, such as a bottle of salad dressing placed next to the bathroom sink.
8. Changes in mood or behavior. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease may experience rapid mood swings.
9. Changes in personality. Persons with dementia may show changes in personality. They may become nervous, fearful, suspicious, or easily confused. They may show more dependency on others for daily decision-making.
10. Loss of initiative. Some forms of dementia may cause a person to become very passive, or to lose interest in normal social activities. They may sleep more than usual.
It is important if you or a loved one is experiencing signs of a memory problem to get a medical evaluation by someone knowledgeable about dementia. Professional geriatric care managers are a resource to help guide families to appropriate medical specialists and to support them in planning and arranging care if a problem is found. Being diagnosed with a progressive disease can bring a flood of questions and emotions. Geriatric care managers are specialists in working with individuals and their families as they navigate health and service systems to get the care they need. To find a geriatric care manager in your area, visit find a care manager.
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