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Home > Understanding Alzheimer's Disease > Alzheimer's Symptoms > Top 10 Alzheimer's Symptoms > Differnce Between Alzheimer's and Old Age

Difference between Alzheimer's and normal age-related memory changes

Some signs of old age can some times be similar to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Forgetfulness and short term memory problems are common to both. The big difference between normal age-related memory difficulties of old age and Alzheimer's disease is the speed of the progressive loss of memory. Below is a list of differences between the two.

Someone with Alzheimer's disease symptoms

Someone with normal age-related memory changes

Forgets entire experiences

Forgets part of an experience

Rarely remembers later

Often remembers later

Is gradually unable to follow written/spoken directions

Is usually able to follow written/spoken directions

Is gradually unable to use notes as reminders

Is usually able to use notes as reminders

Is gradually unable to care for self

Is usually able to care for self

Click here to learn the causes of memory loss

 

 
 

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This project was supported, in part, by a grant, number 90AZ2791, from the Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration on Aging policy.