Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

Last updated: 13-Nov-2008

At first, it's often hard to distinguish between normal, age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. But there are clear signs to watch for.

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8 Signs to Watch for if You Suspect Alzheimer's

Applying the word "Alzheimer's" to your parent can be uncomfortable, even if the signs, or symptoms, have been adding up for some time. It's much easier to gloss over strange behavior: "Oh, Mom's just getting older."Or to rationalize: "Well, we all forget things sometimes."

Parkinson's Disease: A Guide to Mind and Mood

You may be surprised to learn that the most profound consequences of Parkinson's disease for your parent may result not from motor symptoms, but from psychiatric and behavioral difficulties. These problems often go unrecognized and untreated. Here's what to watch for.

Non-Alzheimer's Causes of Dementia

Alzheimer's isn't the only explanation for dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia caused by strokes, Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders. Proper diagnosis can influence treatment.

Do You Know the Difference Between Dementia and Normal Memory Loss?

Is your aging parent showing signs of Alzheimer's, dementia, or normal memory loss? Test your IQ about typical vs. worrisome memory issues.

This week Mayo Clinic researchers reported that men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have memory problems. You may wonder, then, how it can also be true (which it is) that more women develop and die from Alzheimer's?

This week's passing of "Golden Girls" actress Estelle Getty, who died of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), shone a golden light on a very common type of dementia that's often overshadowed by Alzheimer's.

What is considered normal memory loss?

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The Path to an Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

If your parent has started to show signs of dementia or possible Alzheimer's disease, you may feel overwhelmed and unable to figure out what to do about it. Your most important priority is to get a diagnosis. The earlier you can put a name to the problem, the easier it is to organize a care plan.