How to Tell the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Normal Aging

Dad forgot where he put his keys. Mom got frustrated because he couldn’t come up with the word she wanted. Moments like these make everyone wonder: Is it Alzheimer’s or is it normal aging?

While we might be alarmed when we or our loved one has a lapse in memory or thinking skills, it’s important to know that nearly half of all people over 65 experience some memory loss; this is not part of any disease process, it’s simply a normal feature of aging.

If Dad only occasionally misplaces his keys, and he can usually retrace his steps to find them, then it’s probably just what doctors call, normal “age-associated memory impairment.” If, however, Dad starts to regularly be unable to find what he’s misplaced, if he starts putting his keys in the freezer or some other unusual place, or if he starts accusing people of stealing his keys, it might be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

Being unable to come up with a word, and forgetting a name are classic “senior moments.” If Mom remembers the word later, it’s normal aging. However, if she is increasingly unable to remember names, dates, or events, or if she starts to ask the same questions over and over, it could be Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a helpful list of ten ways to distinguish between Alzheimer’s and normal aging. And if you have any doubt, see a doctor right away. There are many treatments for Alzheimer’s, all of which have the best outcomes when the disease is detected early.

Currently, 5.7 million Americans has Alzheimer’s, and every 65 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with it. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. For that reason, it’s important to know which healthcare facilities have special training in handling Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.

At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.

Our family-owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.

We offer specialized health services and programs for our residents suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This includes our sensory programs and activities provided in a secured environment.

Other services include short-term rehab, long-term care, hospice care, and respite care for those times when the caretaker needs to be taken care of.

We proudly provide the following specialty healthcare services: complex medical care management, intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, enteral feeding, pain management, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, a dedicated pulmonary program, hospice care with private suites, a stroke rehab program, respiratory support, eye care, dental care, podiatry care, and psychological consults and counseling.

We pride ourselves on healing the entire patient through a holistic and individualized approach.

Our meticulous care planning helps us ensure that each and every resident receives the best in clinical care, support and unconditional love.

For over 25 years, we have been a staple of health and wellness, serving the members of our community and partnering with our local hospitals like Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.

We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

If Mom or Dad does start to show signs of something more than normal, age-associated memory impairment, contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.

We can help.