The First Signs of Alzheimer’s: What’s Normal Aging vs. Early Dementia?

27 Jun, 2025

Misplaced wallet? Can't remember a name? Or maybe you walked into a room and have no idea why you are there? Sound familiar?

We all have our occasional, annoying, and funny (later) lost moments. They can be annoying and frustrating, but they are often a normal part of aging. However, when memory slip-ups are talked about frequently and intrude on the ability to carry on with daily living, it is natural to ask: "Is this a normal part of aging, or is this something more serious like Alzheimer’s disease?”

It is important to be able to differentiate between the normal cognitive changes of aging and the early signs of dementia—for our own sake and the sake of our loved ones. Let’s unpack the differences, the red flags, and when to seek help.

Aging vs. Alzheimer’s: Understanding the Spectrum

First, let's face reality: your brain changes as you age. You don’t process information as fast as you used to. It might take you a little longer to recall names or dates. And that’s typical. Alzheimer’s disease, however, is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that, at its core, causes a steady decline in memory, thinking, and behavior. Most of the initial signs of dementia could pass for “I’m just getting older”, making detection of the disease tricky but incredibly important to recognize early.

Normal Aging: The Brain Taking a Break

Here are a few examples of common and non-threatening cognitive changes that are impacted by age:

• Memory lapses that happen occasionally (for example, you can’t recall where you put your keys, but you remember later)

• Slower retrieval of names, facts, and directions, but you will eventually remember them

• Easier distractions, especially in noisy environments

• Some slowness in multitasking or learning how to use a new phone

In these examples, you are still fully able to manage work, at home, and relationship responsibilities. You may feel annoyed with yourself or embarrassed, but you haven't felt completely overwhelmed.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s: When It’s More Than “Senior Moments”

While imperfection in memory is harmless, the signs of early dementia go beyond simple one-off failures; here's what to consider the key red flag signs that may mean that Alzheimer's is taking hold.

1. Disruption in Daily Life from Memory Loss

This is more than just forgetting an appointment; it is complete forgetfulness without recovery, even with cues. You may repeat the same question or story without realizing that you have already told the person.

2. Difficulties with Planning or Problem-Solving Abilities

Things that were always easy to do, like following a cooking recipe or taking care of monthly bills, may start becoming confusing or unbelievable.

3. Familiar Tasks Becoming Unfamiliar

Operating your microwave or driving down a road you have traveled so many times that it begins to feel unfamiliar, as if it is suddenly second thoughts.

4. Confusion with Time of Day, Month, Season, Year, or Date

Things like not knowing the date or where you are and how you got there become a little more serious.

5. Trouble Understanding Images/ Visual Images

This might include problems with reading, judging distance, or even determining color on a contrast level, particularly with driving.

6. Problems with Words—Speaking and or Writing

A memory care partner may have problems tracking, maintaining, or joining a conversation. They may also repeat themselves or misname things ("hand clock" instead of a "watch").

7. Misplaced Things and Losing the Ability to Re-trace Steps

They may misplace items like anyone, but they may also put them in odd places (e.g., fridge, freezer) or have an inability to retrace their steps.

8. Poor Judgment or Decision-making Abilities

Someone may give away large amounts of money to telemarketers or may not even recognize they are neglecting their personal hygiene.

9. Withdrawal from Normal Social Activities

Pulling away and or disinterest in reading, hobbies, work, or other activities because of embarrassment, confusion, or disinterest can be an early indicator.

10. Changes in Mood or Personality

A person with early Alzheimer's may become anxious in social situations, often confused or disoriented, confused, suspicious, depressed, and/or unusually irritable, especially in an unusual setting.

When to Worry: A Simple Test

Ask yourself or a loved one:

• Are the memory lapses happening more often?

• Are they interfering with independence or daily tasks?

• Do they involve confusion with time, place, or people?

• Are others noticing the changes more than you are?

If the answer is “yes” to more than one of these, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis is key—it opens the door for treatments, lifestyle changes, planning, and support.

What Happens Next?

If cognitive changes are concerning to a healthcare provider, other assessments may be recommended, including:

• Cognitive screening tests (e.g., MMSE or MoCA)

• Neuropsychological assessment which looks at multiple functions of the brain

• Imaging assessments (such as MRI and PET scans) to see if there are changes in the brain

• Blood testing to rule out conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or hypothyroidism

• Please remember that not all memory loss is attributable to Alzheimer's.

Other conditions (e.g., depression, side effects of a medication, or sleep disorders) can cause dementia-like symptoms, and many of these are treatable.

What you can do—in advance of a diagnosis.

Whether you are only experiencing forgetfulness or are possibly facing a diagnosis, here are steps for you to take to help support brain health:

• Stay physically active: Exercise provides blood flow to the brain.

• Eat a brain-healthy diet: Mediterranean diet—leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, olive oil.

• Stay socially and mentally active by engaging in activities such as group puzzles, reading, listening to music, and conversing with people to build cognitive reserve.

• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep is associated with accelerated cognitive decline.

• Address chronic conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol impact brain function more than we know.

To Conclude, Trust your Instincts

There is a distinction between "senior moments" and something more serious. If you or someone you love seems different—trust your instincts. Early Alzheimer's is not just about memory; it encompasses functioning, adapting, and behavioral changes.

Finding out you have Alzheimer's (or any other cognitive impairment) early does not change the diagnosis, but it does change the journey. Early detection empowers families to plan, provide supportive connections, and live with greater dignity and purpose at a time of potentially significant change.

So do not dismiss it. Do not wait for a crisis. Be curious. Be compassionate. Be proactive.

If you are looking for reliable primary care services, CVMedPro has your back. Our extensive network of healthcare providers enables you to choose the right professional. Schedule an appointment today!

To know more, get in touch with our team. Call us at 866-423-0060 or visit our website – www.cvmedpro.com