Memory loss
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Typical Aging:
Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
Atypical Aging:
Forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids.
Misplacing items
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Typical Aging:
Misplacing items occasionally but retracing steps to find them.
Atypical Aging:
Consistently misplacing items and unable to retrace steps to find them; accusing others of stealing.
Difficulty with familiar tasks
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Typical Aging:
Occasionally needing help with settings on a device or remote.
Atypical Aging:
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home like organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Problem-solving challenges
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Typical Aging:
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
Atypical Aging:
Challenges with following a plan or working with numbers, such as following a familiar recipe.
Confusion with time or place
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Typical Aging:
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Atypical Aging:
Losing track of dates, seasons, or passage of time; not being able to retrace steps.
Mood, personality, and behavior changes
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Typical Aging:
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Atypical Aging:
Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious, especially when out of their comfort zone.
Myth No. 1
“Memory loss is inevitable with age and brain health can’t improve later in life.”
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Fact
While some memory change is typical, big changes in thinking are not. The brain can still learn new things at any age, and having healthy habits may help slow down cognitive decline.
Myth No. 2
“Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the same as early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.”
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Fact
MCI involves mild memory issues and can progress into early-stage Alzheimer's disease, where memory and thinking issues worsen, but doesn't always.
Myth No. 3
“Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing.”
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Fact
Dementia is a broad term for issues with memory, thinking, and social skills; Alzheimer’s disease is its most common form. Everyone with Alzheimer’s disease has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease.
Myth No. 4
“If my parent has Alzheimer’s disease, I will get it too.
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Fact
Alzheimer’s disease can run in families, but not everyone who has a parent with the disease will get it.
Myth No. 5
“There are no treatment options for people with Alzheimer’s disease.”
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Fact
There are medicines that can help with symptoms and treatments that may slow down the disease.
FIRST
Medical History
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Discuss risk factors, family history, and symptoms with your doctor
NEXT
Cognitive Screening
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Your doctor may ask you questions or give you simple tests to check your memory, thinking, or other skills.
THEN
Blood Test and Exams
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Sometimes, doctors may use blood tests and/or physical and neurological exams to look for signs of health changes.
FINALLY
Brain Imaging
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Your doctor might suggest more tests like brain scans or a cerebrospinal fluid test, to learn more, and may refer you to a specialist.
Question 1 of 6
How can I tell if I’m experiencing typical age-related changes or if it’s something more serious?
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Question 2 of 6
What could be causing my memory and thinking challenges?
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Question 3 of 6
What symptoms should I be tracking?
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Question 4 of 6
What types of tests are available for memory and thinking issues?
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Question 5 of 6
Are there any tests that you think are appropriate for me?
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Question 6 of 6
What are my next steps?
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RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Addressing Alzheimer's disease hand in hand
- Support resources: Find additional information from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.