Is It Normal Aging or Alzheimer's? Key Symptoms to Watch For

Written by Nguyenjessica

Published on April 9 2025

As we age, changes in memory are a natural part of life. But how do we distinguish between normal aging and abnormal changes caused by conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? Understanding these differences can help us better care for ourselves and our loved ones, identify issues early, and seek professional help when needed.

Key Points

1.Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Changes: Normal aging may lead to occasional forgetfulness without disrupting daily life, while Alzheimer’s involves severe memory loss, language difficulties, and disorientation.

2.Early Signs of Alzheimer’s: Repeated questions, trouble completing familiar tasks, mood changes, and confusion about time or place may signal the onset of the disease.

3.When to See a Doctor: If memory issues begin to affect daily life or work, consult a doctor promptly for testing, diagnosis, and intervention.

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Table of content

What are normal memory changes as we age?

What are common signs of Alzheimer's disease?

How can I tell if it's normal aging or Alzheimer's?

What changes in daily life could mean Alzheimer's?

How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?

When should I talk to a doctor about memory problems?

What are normal memory changes as we age?

Slower Learning and Recall

You know how when you were younger, you could pick up new stuff super quickly? Well, as you get older, it might take a bit longer to learn something new or remember things you've learned before. It's like your brain is a bit slower to "boot up," but it still works just fine!

Struggling with Multitasking

Remember when you could easily chat with a friend while cooking dinner and listening to the radio all at once? As you age, doing multiple things at the same time can get a little trickier. Your brain has to work harder to keep track of everything, so it might feel a bit overwhelming sometimes.

Forgetting Little Things

Forgetting names, appointments, or where you left your keys is something that happens to everyone, no matter their age. But as you get older, it might happen a bit more often. Don't worry too much, though! Usually, it's not a big deal unless it starts really messing with your daily life.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Moments

Ever been in a situation where you know exactly what you want to say, but the word just won't come out? That's called a tip-of-the-tongue moment, and it happens to older adults more often. It's like your brain knows the information is there, but it just can't grab it at that moment.

Trouble Recalling Details

You might find it harder to remember specific details about things from your past, like the name of an old friend or what happened in a movie you watched years ago. But if someone gives you a little hint or some context, it usually comes back to you.

Changes in Working Memory

Working memory is like your brain's temporary storage space. As you age, this space might get a bit smaller. For example, you might have trouble remembering a phone number long enough to dial it. But don't fret! These changes are usually mild and don't stop you from living your life.

In general, these memory changes are normal and don't really affect your daily life too much. But if you're really worried about your memory, it's always a good idea to talk to a doctor.

What are common signs of Alzheimer's disease?

The common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be described simply in three stages: early, middle and late:

Early stage

1. Forgetfulness: forgetting things you have just done or said, such as repeatedly asking “where did you put the keys”, or even forgetting whether you have just taken your medication.
2. Repeated questions: asking the same questions over and over again, for example, if you have already told your family that you are going out, and then ask “Do you need to go to the supermarket today?
3. Confused about the direction: They may get lost in the neighborhood and can't find their way home.
Middle stage

1. Difficulty in speaking: You want to say “dinner” but it gets stuck in your throat and you can only say “that ...... that ......”; Or use the wrong word, such as “cup” as “bowl”.
2. Messing things up: putting the iron in the washing machine or hiding the keys in the refrigerator.
3. Change in temperament: laughing and happy at the same time, then losing his temper over small things, or even suspecting the family of stealing things.
Late Stage

1. Can't recognize people: Can't recognize even the closest family members, can't call “lucy” or “nina”.
2. Inability to take care of themselves: they can't dress themselves, eat by themselves, or even forget how to go to the toilet.
3. Physical deterioration: fall down easily when walking, choke easily when eating, and may even have difficulty swallowing saliva.

How can I tell if it's normal aging or Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a pathological neurodegenerative brain disorder that fundamentally differs from age-related cognitive decline. While normal aging shows gradual, mild cognitive changes that don't impair daily functioning, AD involves irreversible cognitive deterioration with characteristic brain pathology (e.g., beta-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles), ultimately leading to complete loss of independence. Below are the key distinctions:

Comparison Dimension

Normal Aging

Alzheimer's Disease

Memory Impairment

Occasional forgetfulness of recent events (e.g., names, keys), but recallable with cues.

Severe short-term memory loss (e.g., forgetting medications, repeating questions); relies heavily on reminders/caregivers.

Learning & Processing Speed

Occasional "tip-of-the-tongue" moments, compensated with synonyms/context.

Cannot learn new tasks (e.g., using smartphones); disorganized thinking impacts daily tasks (e.g., meal prep).

Language Abilities

Occasional "tip-of-the-tongue" moments, compensated with synonyms/context.

Progressive language decline: word-finding struggles (e.g., calling a pen "writing stick"), fragmented sentences, nonsensical speech.

Time/Space Orientation

Brief disorientation (e.g., dates), self-corrected quickly.

Severe confusion: gets lost in familiar areas, unable to recognize seasons/days, disrupted sleep-wake cycles.

Mood & Behavior

Mild stubbornness or repetitiveness; stable emotional baseline.

Significant mood swings (irritability, paranoia), hallucinations, aggression, personality shifts (apathy, anxiety).

Pathology

General brain volume reduction (non-specific).

Significant hippocampal atrophy, beta-amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tau tangles observed in scans/biopsies.

What changes in daily life could mean Alzheimer's?

list of 10 common warning signs in your life, comparing Alzheimer's disease (AD) to normal aging, to help you determine if you need medical attention:

Scenario 1: Confusion about taking medications
AD Manifestation:
Repeatedly asking every day, “Did I take my blood pressure medication?” , not remembering at all when they have just taken them, and even swallowing whole plates of pills (mistaking the packaging for candy).
Normal Aging:
Occasionally forgets to take a pill, but remembers when he sees the amount left in the pill box (e.g., “There are two pills left in the box today, so that means I took them”).
Scenario 2: Kitchen Hazards
AD Performance:
Burning the bottom of a pot dry multiple times while cooking (forgetting that cooking is in progress) or heating a plastic bowl in the microwave (causing it to melt).
Normal Aging:
Occasionally forgets to turn off the heat, but is able to deal with the burnt odor when he notices it.
Scenario 3: Financial anomalies
AD Performance:
Stockpiling 10 unopened bottles of Sriracha in the refrigerator, or revealing your bank card PIN on an unfamiliar phone call (believing the caller to be a “bank employee”).
Normal Aging:
Repeatedly buying a small amount of daily necessities due to a promotion (e.g., “bought two bottles of soy sauce for spare”).
Scenario 4: Misdressing
AD Performance:
Wearing slippers and shorts out in the cold, or wearing underwear over a sweater without realizing it.
Normal Aging:
Occasionally wears clothes backwards and will laugh at themselves and correct them when reminded.
Scenario 5: Time Lost
AD Performance:
Waking up at 3:00 a.m. and insisting on going to work, thinking “it's time to leave the house at sunrise.”
Normal Aging:
Occasionally remembers the wrong day of the week and immediately understands when looking at the calendar or cell phone.
Scenario 6: Objects “go missing”
AD Performance:
Hides keys in the soil of a flower pot and accuses family members, “You must have stolen them!” .
Normal Aging:
Forgets where keys are, but eventually finds them in coat pocket or favorite drawer.
Scenario 7: Out of control behavior
AD Behavior:
Suddenly yells at grandchildren, “Why are you pretending to be my family?” , or undresses in the street (mistakenly thinking he is at home).
Normal Aging:
Occasionally short-tempered, but able to calm down through communication.
Scenario 8: Visual Misjudgment
AD Performance:
Recognizing carpet patterns as “snakes on the floor,” or arguing with oneself in the mirror, “Who are you? Why are you in my house?” .
Normal Aging:
Presbyopia can't read small print, but can read normally with glasses.
Scenario 9: Social withdrawal
AD Manifestation:
Refuses to attend family gatherings because “I don't understand what you're saying” and suspects that friends and relatives are laughing at him or her.
Normal Aging:
Reduces going out due to declining physical strength, but is still happy to chat with children via video.
Scenario 10: Repetitive Behavior
AD Performance:
Calling the same person 20 times in one day to ask “What time are you coming home?” , or repeatedly wiping down a clean desk (for hours).
Normal Aging:
Occasionally asks the same question over and over again (e.g., “Is it going to rain tomorrow?”). but stops asking when he or she gets an answer.

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How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?

Medical History and Basic Physical Examination
Doctors usually start with a detailed questioning to get a better understanding of the patient's condition. For example, they may ask questions about everyday life, such as “Have you often forgotten to take your medication or missed appointments lately?” Or “Ever get lost in familiar places?” At the same time, they may also look for significant personality changes, such as becoming irritable or suspicious.

To further rule out other possible causes of similar symptoms, doctors may schedule some quick screenings. For example, blood tests may be used to rule out reversible causes such as abnormal thyroid function, vitamin B12 deficiency or syphilis. Current medications will also be reviewed to confirm if any medications are causing pseudodementia.

Standardized Cognitive Testing
A simple test commonly used by doctors is the clock-drawing test. The patient is asked to draw a complete clock and label it with a specific time, such as “11:10”. The doctor will determine if the patient has an abnormality based on whether the clock frame is complete, the numbers are in the correct order, and the hands are in the correct position.

Another commonly used assessment is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The test includes language skills, such as asking the patient to name as many animals as possible in one minute (normally more than twelve); it also tests abstract thinking, such as explaining the metaphorical meaning of 'crossing a river to get rid of a bridge' or 'striking while the iron is hot'. A score below a certain standard (usually below 25) may indicate cognitive impairment, but it also needs to be analyzed in relation to the patient's age and level of education.

Ruling out other types of dementia
Before confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will run a number of tests to rule out other types of dementia. For example, an MRI or CT of the head can detect the presence of multiple cerebral infarcts (suggestive of vascular dementia) or significant temporal lobe atrophy (usually pointing to frontotemporal lobe dementia). For patients with tremors or motor delays, doctors may use DaTscan to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from dementia with Lewy bodies.

Specific Tests for Alzheimer's Disease
If Alzheimer's disease is suspected, your doctor may choose a number of specific tests. For example, an Aβ-PET scan can detect the presence of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain, while a Tau-PET scan looks for tangles of tau protein (currently used primarily for research). Where available, cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also be performed to further confirm the diagnosis by detecting abnormalities in specific protein levels (e.g., decreased Aβ42, increased tau protein).

When should I talk to a doctor about memory problems?

When you experience these symptoms, you may consider consulting a physician for advice

Early stage

1. Forgetfulness: forgetting things you have just done or said, such as repeatedly asking “where did you put the keys”, or even forgetting whether you have just taken your medication.
2. Repeated questions: asking the same questions over and over again, for example, if you have already told your family that you are going out, and then ask “Do you need to go to the supermarket today?
3. Confused about the direction: They may get lost in the neighborhood and can't find their way home.
Middle stage

1. Difficulty in speaking: You want to say “dinner” but it gets stuck in your throat and you can only say “that ...... that ......”; Or use the wrong word, such as “cup” as “bowl”.
2. Messing things up: putting the iron in the washing machine or hiding the keys in the refrigerator.
3. Change in temperament: laughing and happy at the same time, then losing his temper over small things, or even suspecting the family of stealing things.
Late Stage

1. Can't recognize people: Can't recognize even the closest family members, can't call “lucy” or “nina”.
2. Inability to take care of themselves: they can't dress themselves, eat by themselves, or even forget how to go to the toilet.
3. Physical deterioration: fall down easily when walking, choke easily when eating, and may even have difficulty swallowing saliva.