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Rachel V Thomas

Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For

Do you often forget where you kept your keys or glasses and worry that it could be a sign of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/alzheimers-disease">Alzheimer's disease</a></span>? While many people become more forgetful with age, doctors say that occasional memory lapses are a normal part of <span>ageing</span>. Alzheimer's disease, however, causes a different pattern of decline that affects memory, thinking and the ability to function in everyday life.

<strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>spoke to two neurologists who explained how to tell the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

"Many people worry when they start becoming more forgetful with age. While some changes in memory and thinking are a natural part of growing older, Alzheimer's disease causes a different pattern of decline that affects everyday life," said Dr. Rajneesh Kummar, Vice Chairman &amp; Unit Head, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka.

Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, added, "Alzheimer's is not a normal part of ageing. It's a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking and how you function each day. Recognising the difference can help people get medical evaluation and treatment sooner."

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/india-gets-its-first-alzheimers-drug-know-all-about-eli-lillys-lormalzi-article-154316399" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s Lormalzi</a>

The experts advised that persistent memory concerns should not be ignored. If symptoms become more noticeable or begin affecting day-to-day functioning, a medical assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment and support.

They outlined six key differences that can help distinguish normal ageing from Alzheimer's disease.

<h2>1. Occasional Forgetfulness vs Repeated <span rel="noindex">Memory Loss</span></h2>

According to the doctors, it is common to occasionally misplace items, forget a name or an appointment, and remember the information later.

However, people with Alzheimer's disease may repeatedly forget recent events, conversations, appointments or newly learned information and may not recall them even after reminders.

<h2>2. Slower Thinking vs Difficulty With Everyday Tasks</h2>

Normal ageing may mean taking longer to learn new technology or complete routine tasks.

In Alzheimer's disease, people may struggle to manage bills, prepare meals, follow directions, learn to use a new phone or remember instructions given only moments earlier.

<h2>3. Misplacing Things vs Forgetting They Were Ever There</h2>

Occasionally losing keys or glasses is considered a normal part of ageing, and most people can usually retrace their steps and find them.

By contrast, people with Alzheimer's disease may not remember putting an item down or even recall recently getting or buying it.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/anti-inflammatory-diet-may-help-lower-dementia-risk-even-in-those-who-show-early-signs-of-alzheimers-study-article-154955409" data-type="tilCustomLink">Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study</a>

<h2>4. Temporary Confusion vs Disorientation</h2>

Older adults may occasionally lose track of the day or date but usually remember it shortly afterwards.

According to the doctors, Alzheimer's disease can cause confusion about time, dates and places. People may repeatedly ask the same questions or become disoriented, even in familiar surroundings.

<h2>5. Searching for Words vs Difficulty Communicating</h2>

Everyone experiences occasional "tip-of-the-tongue" moments.

With Alzheimer's disease, people may frequently lose their train of thought, repeat themselves, struggle to follow conversations or have difficulty finding the right words.

<h2>6. Remaining Independent vs Needing Increasing Support</h2>

The doctors said one of the biggest differences is that normal ageing generally does not prevent a person from living independently.

Alzheimer's disease, however, gradually affects a person's ability to carry out everyday activities, adapt to changes in routine and maintain self-care without assistance.

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Do you often forget where you kept your keys or glasses and worry that it could be a sign of Alzheimer's disease? While many people become more forgetful with age, doctors say that occasional memory lapses are a normal part of ageing. Alzheimer's disease, however, causes a different pattern of decline that affects memory, thinking and the ability to function in everyday life.HealthandMe spoke to two neurologists who explained how to tell the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease."Many people worry when they start becoming more forgetful with age. While some changes in memory and thinking are a natural part of growing older, Alzheimer's disease causes a different pattern of decline that affects everyday life," said Dr. Rajneesh Kummar, Vice Chairman & Unit Head, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka.Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, added, "Alzheimer's is not a normal part of ageing. It's a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking and how you function each day. Recognising the difference can help people get medical evaluation and treatment sooner."Also read: India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s LormalziThe experts advised that persistent memory concerns should not be ignored. If symptoms become more noticeable or begin affecting day-to-day functioning, a medical assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment and support.They outlined six key differences that can help distinguish normal ageing from Alzheimer's disease.    1. Occasional Forgetfulness vs Repeated Memory LossAccording to the doctors, it is common to occasionally misplace items, forget a name or an appointment, and remember the information later.However, people with Alzheimer's disease may repeatedly forget recent events, conversations, appointments or newly learned information and may not recall them even after reminders.2. Slower Thinking vs Difficulty With Everyday TasksNormal ageing may mean taking longer to learn new technology or complete routine tasks.In Alzheimer's disease, people may struggle to manage bills, prepare meals, follow directions, learn to use a new phone or remember instructions given only moments earlier.3. Misplacing Things vs Forgetting They Were Ever ThereOccasionally losing keys or glasses is considered a normal part of ageing, and most people can usually retrace their steps and find them.By contrast, people with Alzheimer's disease may not remember putting an item down or even recall recently getting or buying it.Read More: Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study4. Temporary Confusion vs DisorientationOlder adults may occasionally lose track of the day or date but usually remember it shortly afterwards.According to the doctors, Alzheimer's disease can cause confusion about time, dates and places. People may repeatedly ask the same questions or become disoriented, even in familiar surroundings.5. Searching for Words vs Difficulty CommunicatingEveryone experiences occasional "tip-of-the-tongue" moments.With Alzheimer's disease, people may frequently lose their train of thought, repeat themselves, struggle to follow conversations or have difficulty finding the right words.6. Remaining Independent vs Needing Increasing SupportThe doctors said one of the biggest differences is that normal ageing generally does not prevent a person from living independently.Alzheimer's disease, however, gradually affects a person's ability to carry out everyday activities, adapt to changes in routine and maintain self-care without assistance.

normal ageing or alzheimer's? doctors explain six key differences to watch for

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