Normal memory loss or sign of Alzheimer's disease
This weekend I attended my parents' high school graduation (ages 65 and 64!). They stopped going to school in the 50's and decided now was the time to finish high school. After the ceremony, my 88 year old grandfather told me a story of when he was 7 years old. He said his second grade teacher told the class if they buried a piece of coal in the ground it would eventually turn to gold. He went on to tell me how he and his classmate ran home to do just that. He even remembered where he buried it, 81 years later!
I'm always amazed at how much he remembers for his age. I asked if he's ever thought about Alzheimer's disease or if he's known anyone with it. He said no, but did tell me he's been having a tough time with remembering names. Names of people he feels he should know, like relatives, close friends and famous people (from T.V and music). I asked how his memory is for every day things, like daily medications and his normal routine. He said everything else seems okay.
Does anyone have any experience with late onset of Alzheimer's or do you think this is normal brain function for 88 years of age? I'm inclined to think it's normal. However, I'm curious to hear from people in the Alzheimer's community.
I should note that later in the day my parents were listening to music from the 40's and 50's (something my grandfather loves). The CD case wasn't around so they had to guess who was singing each song (a greatest hits type CD). Anyway, nine out of ten times, my grandfather was the only one who could name the artist. His long-term memory is pretty amazing.
I'm always amazed at how much he remembers for his age. I asked if he's ever thought about Alzheimer's disease or if he's known anyone with it. He said no, but did tell me he's been having a tough time with remembering names. Names of people he feels he should know, like relatives, close friends and famous people (from T.V and music). I asked how his memory is for every day things, like daily medications and his normal routine. He said everything else seems okay.
Does anyone have any experience with late onset of Alzheimer's or do you think this is normal brain function for 88 years of age? I'm inclined to think it's normal. However, I'm curious to hear from people in the Alzheimer's community.
I should note that later in the day my parents were listening to music from the 40's and 50's (something my grandfather loves). The CD case wasn't around so they had to guess who was singing each song (a greatest hits type CD). Anyway, nine out of ten times, my grandfather was the only one who could name the artist. His long-term memory is pretty amazing.
Tags: alzheimer's, loss, memory
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© 2008 Created by Adrienne
Your question of how to differentiate memory loss due to normal aging versus dementia interested me. I found a page from Family Doctor that addresses precisely this question. The article lists a few major differences that are the keys to determining whether you are contending with normal aging or Alzheimer's. First, memory loss due to normal aging does not get significantly worse over time. If you forget a name here and there, it's probably not a big deal. However, if you start by forgetting names, and then to begin to forget other details about people or places, this is a red flag. Second, Alzheimer's regularly affects your everyday life, while normal memory loss does not. For instance, people with Alzheimer's could forget how to do simple, routine activites that he or she performs daily. An Alzheimer's sufferer will also have an abnormal amount of trouble while learning how to do something new. These symptoms will generally not be present during normal aging. Check out the article for more tips on how to spot Alzheimer's. Your grandfather sounds like a very fun and healthy man!