{"id":243067,"date":"2026-03-27T10:00:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T14:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-disease\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T11:09:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:09:03","slug":"normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Normal Aging vs. Alzheimer\u2019s Disease &#8211; Recognizing the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When it comes to aging, most of us have a variety of concerns. One of the\u00a0most\u00a0prevalent\u00a0relates\u00a0to\u00a0protecting our\u00a0cognition and memory\u2014we may\u00a0worry when we forget things, especially if\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0always had a good memory for details.\u00a0We\u00a0may find\u00a0ourselves\u00a0asking:\u00a0Is this\u00a0just normal\u00a0aging or a red flag for something more serious?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As media coverage about Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia\u00a0has increased\u00a0in recent years,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0easy to understand why this question is becoming more common.\u00a0There\u2019s\u00a0also no\u00a0discounting\u00a0the fact that dementia is on the rise.<span style=\"color: #3366ff\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alzint.org\/about\/dementia-facts-figures\/dementia-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to Alzheimer\u2019s Disease International<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff\">,<\/span>\u00a055 million people\u00a0worldwide live with some form of dementia. That\u00a0number\u00a0is predicted to nearly\u00a0double every 20 years. By 2050, experts estimate that\u00a0139 million\u00a0people will receive a diagnosis of dementia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are an older adult or\u00a0the caregiver for one,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important to learn more about dementia, including early warning signs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u00a0Is Dementia?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In normal aging,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not unusual\u00a0to\u00a0forget where you put\u00a0something, like\u00a0your car keys or purse,\u00a0and later find it on the sofa or counter.\u00a0By contrast, placing\u00a0your keys\u00a0or purse\u00a0in the oven or in the freezer\u00a0might be a sign\u00a0that\u00a0something is wrong.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dementia is an umbrella\u00a0term, not a disease. The\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/what-is-dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alzheimer\u2019s Association defines it<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff\">\u00a0<\/span>as \u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience\u202fif they are living with a variety of diseases<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u201d\u00a0There are many forms of dementia, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alzheimer\u2019s\u00a0disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frontotemporal\u00a0dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vascular\u00a0dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lewy\u00a0body\u00a0dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Huntington\u2019s dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Parkinson\u2019s dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mixed dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\nOf these, Alzheimer\u2019s disease is by far the most common.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u00a0Are the\u00a0Early Signs of Alzheimer\u2019s\u00a0Disease?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s\u00a0normal\u00a0for\u00a0memory loss\u00a0to\u00a0occur\u00a0as you age. But\u00a0if you forget something,\u00a0you or\u00a0your loved one\u00a0will\u00a0likely\u00a0remember\u00a0it later. However,\u00a0with Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u00a0lost memories\u2014especially recently learned information\u2014are usually gone for good. This forgetfulness is\u00a0disruptive to\u00a0daily life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other early warning signs of the disease can be:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trouble\u00a0with\u00a0familiar steps\u00a0or processes, such as\u00a0following\u00a0a recipe\u00a0or keeping\u00a0up with\u00a0bill\u00a0paying<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Losing track of dates, seasons or where\u00a0you are, even in a familiar location<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Struggling to\u00a0find the right word\u00a0or calling things by the wrong name<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Asking the same question\u00a0over and over\u00a0or repeating the same information multiple times<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty\u00a0participating\u00a0in a conversation, especially\u00a0following the\u00a0topic being discussed<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increased anxiety, depression, irritability,\u00a0suspicion\u00a0or withdrawal from social activities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Giving away money to strangers or falling victim to\u00a0scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Neglecting personal hygiene, especially bathing and showering<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u00a0Should You Do If You Suspect\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are\u00a0concerned\u00a0your memory problems or those of a senior loved one might be more than just\u00a0an ordinary sign of\u00a0aging, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They can conduct a physical exam to rule\u00a0out\u00a0other\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/normal-aging-or-dementia-how-to-tell-the-difference\/\">common\u00a0health conditions that mimic Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff\">,<\/span> such as an\u00a0undetected\u00a0infection or\u00a0a\u00a0thyroid problem.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A primary care physician might order further testing and also consult with specialists, such as a neurologist, in an effort to make a definitive diagnosis.\u00a0Testing could include blood\u00a0work and brain-imaging scans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease or Dementia<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should the diagnosis be Alzheimer\u2019s disease or another type of dementia, we have a free guide you might find useful.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/decision-toolkit-mc\/\">Memory Care Options: Making an Informed Decision<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff\">\u00a0<\/span>will\u00a0help you create a plan for your loved one\u2019s care, from nutrition to safety.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We invite you to come visit and talk to our team about the options available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/lifestyle-care-options\/#MC\"><strong>Explore communities offering memory care options.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Facing Alzheimer&#8217;s disease or another form of dementia can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to evidence-based care and ongoing education and rely on these trusted organizations that provide families and caregivers with accurate information, research, educational resources, and support throughout the dementia journey.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/indiana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alzheimers.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alzheimer\u2019s.gov<\/a> (reports\/research)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/brain-health\/dementia-resource-guide-digital-edition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AARP Dementia Resource Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiafriendsindiana.org\/resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dementia Friends Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-and-relationships\/helping-family-and-friends-understand-alzheimers-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Institute on Aging<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to aging, most of us have a variety of concerns. One of the\u00a0most\u00a0prevalent\u00a0relates\u00a0to\u00a0protecting our\u00a0cognition and memory\u2014we may\u00a0worry when we forget things, especially if\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0always had a good memory for details.\u00a0We\u00a0may find\u00a0ourselves\u00a0asking:\u00a0Is this\u00a0just normal\u00a0aging or a red flag for something more serious?\u00a0 As media coverage about Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia\u00a0has increased\u00a0in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":249066,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[539],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-243067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-memory-care-alzheimers"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243067"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":250187,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243067\/revisions\/250187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/249066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}