Aging vs Alzheimer’s symptoms

How do you know the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and typical age-related changes? There are over 57 million Americans over the age of 65,¹ and about 6 million are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s Disease.² While there is currently no cure for aging or Alzheimer’s, Dr. Daniel Schwartz, a Neurologist at Optum Medical Care, says that there are still ways to help tell the difference between aging and Alzheimer’s, both of which can have similar symptoms.  

“Understanding the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s is essential for timely diagnosis,” said Dr. Schwartz. “Knowing the symptoms can help in planning for the future, accessing support services and making informed decisions about care.³

 Here are a few ways to help tell the difference between age-related changes and Alzheimer’s:³

• How severe symptoms are: Not immediately remembering the date or name of a person is common for people to experience as they age. But losing track of the season or withdrawing from all social activities can be early signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. 

• How much they impact your life: There is a difference between occasionally missing a payment and being unable to manage a familiar or consistent budget.  

• How often symptoms occur: Occasionally forgetting a word or losing things from time to time is frustrating but typical for those growing older. It may be time to see a doctor if you are placing items in unusual places, or if you regularly struggle to name familiar words or stop talking completely in the middle of a conversation. 

 “Neurologists can help identify Alzheimer’s disease early and give support,” said Dr. Schwartz. “They can explain changes in the brain to patients and their families and also make plans for future care needs.” 

Optum has specialized neurologists that can collaborate with your care team to diagnose, treat and manage a variety of neurological disorders and conditions, including Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our neurologists provide personalized, accessible and comprehensive care through our extensive network of offices and affiliated hospitals across the New York and New Jersey region. We’ll work with you and your family to create long-term care plans to manage and treat neurological disorders. 

 Dr. Daniel Schwartz is a specialist in neurology and headaches. He earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia and completed his residency in neurology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also served as chief resident. He also completed a fellowship in Headache Medicine and EMG/Clinical Neurophysiology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, respectively. Dr. Schwartz is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty in Headache Medicine recognized by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.

Sources:

1. Administration on Aging.2023 Profile of Older Americans. Last updated May 2024. Accessed May 7, 2025 
2. National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. Last updated April 5, 2023. Accessed May 7, 2025. 
3. Alzheimer’s Association. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Accessed May 7, 2025.