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Capacity & Confusion:
Normal Age-Related memory Changes vs. Alzheimer's Disease
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Normal Age-Related Memory Loss | Alzheimer’s Disease | |
---|---|---|
Memory Loss | ||
Forgetting names and appointments occasionally | vs. | Forgetting more often; unable to recall info later on |
Difficulty performing familiar tasks | ||
Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say | vs. | Difficulty completing everyday tasks including meal prep, using telephone |
Language problems | ||
Some word finding difficulty | vs. | Forgetting simple words; substituting words; writing hard to understand |
Disorientation to time and place | ||
Forgetting names and appts occasionally | vs. | Forgetting more often; unable to recall info later on |
Disorientation to time and place | ||
Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going | vs. | Getting lost in the neighborhood; not knowing how to get back home |
Poor or decreased judgment | ||
Making questionable or debatable decisions | vs. | Poor judgment about money, dressing vs. inappropriately, driving, etc. |
Abstract thinking | ||
Balancing a checkbook is harder | vs. | Unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks; i.e. remembering numbers |
Misplacing things | ||
Misplacing keys or wallet temporarily | vs. | May put things in unusual places, i.e. iron in the freezer, watch in sugar bowl |
Changes in mood or behavior | ||
Occasionally feeling sad or moody | vs. | May show rapid mood swings |
Changes in Personality | ||
Personality does change somewhat with age | vs. | Dramatic personality changes – confusion, suspiciousness, fearful |
Loss of initiative | ||
Sometimes tired of work or social obligations | vs. | May become more passive, sitting or not wanting usual activity level |
Created by:
LifeCare Advocates, 180 Wells Avenue,Suite 101,Newton, MA 02459, (617) 928-0200 www.lcadvocates.com
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