As we age, we all begin to occasionally forget things – that's normal, and it's expected. But the changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease go far beyond mild forgetfulness.
It's important for you to know that many commonly used prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as naturopathic and alternative therapies, can cause side effects that may affect one's mental abilities. So be sure to discuss medication use with a doctor if you feel that you are seeing abnormal signs.
For a quick overview of how the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease differ from normal aging, take a look at this table:
| Normal aging | Early signs of Alzheimer's disease |
|---|---|
Forgetting the names of people you rarely see |
Forgetting the names of people |
Briefly forgetting part of an experience |
Forgetting a recent experience |
Not putting things away properly |
Putting things away in strange places |
Mood changes because of an appropriate cause |
Having unpredictable mood changes |
Changes in your interests |
Decreased interest in activities |
If you’re seeing any of the above signs in someone close to you, it’s a good idea to start keeping track of these signs in the Symptom Diary. You’ll be one step closer to getting a diagnosis and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll be better equipped for a discussion with a doctor.
Next: Symptom Diary
