Memory Problems: Is It Aging or Alzheimer's?

Common Warning Signs of Alzheimer's to Know

July 18, 2024

With age comes changes in the body and, consequently, in health. Most changes are common and manageable. For example, normal aging includes hearing loss, decrease in visual acuity, decline in muscle mass and strength and inefficiency of the immune system.

One change that can be confused with normal aging is difficulty with memory. The brain does change as adults age, caused by parts of the brain shrinking and communication between neurons becoming less effective. Remembering new things can be more difficult. However, difficulty with memory can be confused with memory loss, not a normal part of aging.

In some severe cases, age-related changes in the brain can harm neurons and affect brain cells, contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Warning signs of Alzheimer's

• Disruptive memory loss. It interferes with daily life, requiring frequent reminders, getting lost in a familiar place or repeating oneself.
• Challenging to plan or solve common problems. It is difficult to handle money, pay bills or cook familiar recipes.
• Difficulty completing familiar home or work tasks.
• Sudden problems speaking or writing. It is suddenly challenging to follow a conversation or remember commonly used words.
• Changes in mood. Feeling uncommonly angry or suspicious in common situations.

If you or a loved one experience one or more of the warning signs, it is important to talk to a doctor.

Doctors Hospital of Laredo Neuroscience Program provides comprehensive services, including the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's.