Alzheimer's & Dementia vs. Normal Aging: How to Tell the Difference

Misplaced keys, searching for words, and forgotten appointments can happen at any age. And it’s not unusual for these memory lapses to increase as part of the normal aging process. Even so, memory issues can provoke anxiety in seniors and their adult children.

Because Alzheimer’s and dementia often start subtly, it can be difficult to distinguish between simple forgetfulness, normal aging, or early signs of the disease. It's normal for seniors and their families to attribute behavior shifts or memory issues to aging or temporary stress. However, spotting potential indicators of Alzheimer’s is crucial, as early awareness opens the door to timely medical support and planning, empowering you and your loved one to seek appropriate resources and care. 

Recognizing the Early Signs and Unique Challenges

Alzheimer’s disease symptoms usually appear in a person’s mid-60s or later. The disease usually progresses in stages: preclinical, mild or early stage, moderate, and severe or late-stage. Recognizing the signs as soon as they appear can lead to timely diagnosis and intervention, which may help slow the progression of dementia and maintain a better quality of life.

7 Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Memory lapses that go beyond normal forgetfulness
2. Changes in judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
3. Confusion with time or place
4. Difficulty completing familiar tasks and managing finances
5. Language struggles and repetitive conversations
6. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 
7. Changes in mood, personality, or withdrawal from social activities 

Distinguishing Typical Age-Related Cognitive Changes

It’s not unusual for family members to disagree about a parent’s cognitive changes or the possibility that they may be having issues. While memory lapses are common with age, there is a difference between typical age-related cognitive changes and those of the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Age-Related Cognitive Changes

• Occasional errors when managing bills and finances
• Sometimes forgetting appointments or names, but remembering them later 
• Needing help occasionally using the microwave, recording a TV show, or using new technology
• Getting confused about the date but remembering it later 
• Sometimes having trouble finding the right word
• Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them
• Becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted

For example, your mom is tech savvy but doesn’t want or see the need to learn new technologies. That’s normal aging. Or your dad thinks it’s Wednesday and that he may have missed a doctor’s appointment, but quickly realizes it’s Tuesday and the appointment is the next day. That’s also normal aging. However, if your parent begins to get lost on their way to the grocery store or has difficulty completing familiar tasks, consider speaking with your loved one’s doctor to help determine the cause.  

Why Early Recognition Matters

Recognizing cognitive changes early is so important for older adults and their families. It gives seniors access to more treatment options and supportive therapies that can help manage symptoms, reduce anxiety, and promote better brain health. In fact, some FDA-approved medications and lifestyle adjustments are most effective in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. While this disease cannot be cured, timely treatment may help slow cognitive decline.

Early recognition also gives your loved one time to adjust emotionally, seek support, and stay actively involved in their care plan—preserving their independence and control. Together, you can explore options for in-home care and begin building a trusted care team.  

How to Support Your Loved One in the Early Stages

Supporting a parent in the early stages of Alzheimer’s requires practical strategies and emotional resilience. Encourage your mom or dad to see a neurologist or geriatrician for memory screening and cognitive testing, and offer to go with them to provide support and help recall details. Not all cognitive issues are due to Alzheimer’s, so seeking a proper diagnosis can help rule out other possible conditions that may be mistaken for dementia and ensure your loved one receives the care they need. 

Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia

• Medication side effects: Older adults are more likely to develop cognitive issues as a side effect than younger adults 
• Respiratory infections: Untreated infections can cause changes in alertness, attention, memory, and sometimes make older adults feel confused, drowsy, or unfocused
• Urinary tract infection: Older adults with a UTI might experience dementia-like symptoms without a fever or burning with urination
• Sleep problems or disturbed sleep: Studies have shown that insomnia affects 30-38% of seniors and can cause symptoms such as confusion, trouble focusing, mental fatigue, and irritability
• Dehydration: Seniors’ thirst signals aren’t as strong, and they can easily get dehydrated, making them seem foggy or confused  

In early-stage Alzheimer’s, structure and consistency can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Consider helping your parent establish a predictable daily routine that includes physical activity, nutritious meals, social engagement, and plenty of rest. Encouraging loved ones to stay involved in the hobbies, conversations, and activities they enjoy helps them remain connected to family and friends. If needed, gently offer assistance—such as helping with finances or driving—to ensure they feel supported while maintaining as much independence as possible. 

How Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we understand the emotional toll this disease can have on seniors and their families. Our uplifting in-home care model was designed not just to support those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but also their families through knowledge, compassion, and expert care.

We create customized care plans tailored to each person’s needs, routines, and preferences. Through our Interactive Caregiving™ approach, our caregivers build genuine friendships, helping to fulfill emotional and social needs. We also provide support for families and loved ones as the disease progresses, focusing on joy, connection, and elevating spirits—even in the face of cognitive decline. 

Learn more about
Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Alzheimer's Facts and Figures Report | Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's stages: How the disease progresses - Mayo Clinic
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s & Dementia | alz.org
6 Medical Problems That Have Dementia-Like Symptoms