The difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes.

Information by: Justine Swenson, JMHS Occupational Therapist.

As we age, we expect to see changes in brain function, but too many changes can be a warning sign of cognitive impairment. Some of the common signs of early Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

Below is a list of warning signs of dementia versus typical age-related changes. (Information from www.alz.org)

Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia	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 it 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
Withdrawal from work or social activities	Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone	Developing very specific ways to do things and being irritable when a routine changes.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships	Vision changes related to cataracts.

If you notice the warning signs of Alzheimer’s dementia, it may be an indication that cognitive testing is needed. JMHS offers cognitive testing with our occupational and speech therapists to examine our patients’ thinking skills. Our evaluations provide patients and their families with recommendations and approaches for improving function, safety, and communication.

You should always discuss any memory or health concerns with your medical provider. A provider’s order is required to have a cognitive evaluation. With early detection, we can explore treatments that may relieve symptoms and help you maintain a longer level of independence. If you have any concerns, please call your medical provider at 320-769-4393.