Eventually, most people with Alzheimer's become unable to care for themselves. Dementia is an umbrella term to describe the loss of cognitive or intellectual function. Many conditions can cause dementia. Dementia related to depression, drug interactions and thyroid and other problems may be reversible if detected early. That's one of the reasons it's important to get a professional assessment, so the actual cause can be identified and proper care provided.
Many healthy people are less able to remember certain kinds of information as they age.
But the symptoms of Alzheimer's involves more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties in communication, learning, thinking and reasoning that can have an impact on a person's work, social and family life. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells which is not a part of aging. There is no single, comprehensive diagnostic test. Instead, physicians or other specialists rule out other conditions through a process of elimination.