Alzheimer's & Dementia Symptoms: What to Do
Channel: Alzheimer's & Dementia Resources
Date: 2016-09-01

For More information, visit: http://Alz.org/illinois

Some may refer to it as “Slipping” or “forgetfulness” or even use the term “senior moment.” Whatever you choose to call it, you feel that something just isn’t quite right. 

Whether it is you or someone you care about who is dealing with these issues, there are a few things you need to know.

Now, first of all, we’re not talking about once in a while when you go into a room and forget what you went for, or sometimes you can’t find your keys, or have a word on the tip of your tongue and can’t get it. These things happen to everyone once in a while and if you’re stressed or depressed, they happen more frequently. What we are talking about are cognitive issues, that is, issues with our thinking, that are starting to become a regular problem.

So what should you do?

First off, take a deep breath.  This may not be dementia, and even if it is, it doesn’t mean it is Alzheimer’s disease. There are many causes of the symptoms of dementia and sometimes the symptoms are reversible.
You’ll want to see a doctor, preferably a geriatrician or a doctor who has a good deal of experience treating age related illnesses.  
First, the doctor will determine if you have dementia. So what is dementia? 
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example.  Some others include
• Challenges with language and communication 
• Problems focusing or paying attention
• Issues with reasoning and judgment, and 
• Visual perception problems 
Only if you have issues in two or more of these areas can you be considered to have dementia. 

The second step is for the doctor to find out what is causing these symptoms. Remember, sometimes these issues are reversible, so make sure you follow through with the doctor and do all the testing that is called for. The last thing you want to do is to suffer for years with symptoms that could have been dealt with easily.

Part of your exam will be a complete blood workup and urinalysis, because sometimes these issues can be caused by a vitamin deficiency or an infection. Also, reactions to your medications can create some of these symptoms, even if you’ve taken those medications for a long time with no problems in the past. The doctor will also seek to rule out stress or depression as possible causes.

Now, if the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, there is a lot that you’ll need to know, so either way, reach out to our 24/7 Helpline by calling 800.272.3900.  We're here day or night with information, emotional support, caregiving tools and referrals to healthcare, financial and legal resources, with translation services available in 170 languages.

Just because a person is getting older, they should not expect that their memory or cognitive abilities are going to decline.  That is not a normal part of aging.  However, as we get older and have more responsibilities, it is easy to forget things or become distracted. Depression and stress can also make us more likely to misplace our keys or walk into a room and forget what we went there for, or forget a person’s name.  So it is very important that we don’t joke about having a “senior moment” or a memory lapse and worry about Alzheimer’s every time we can’t find our keys.  

That being said, if a senior citizen is experiencing memory lapses or forgetfulness or having other cognitive issues, it is important that they get a checkup by a qualified physician.  Every memory lapse does not qualify as “memory loss” that means you have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  And all “memory loss” does not mean you have Alzheimer’s disease.

It is critical that you understand that getting to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is not  a quick and easy proposition.  It involves comprehensive testing and an experienced physician to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and to treat dementia.  It also takes a professional to understand that there is a difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  If you have Alzheimer’s disease, you have dementia.  However, if you have dementia, it may or may not be caused by Alzheimer’s disease.