Question: My father is growing increasingly forgetful. Could he be developing Alzheimer’s?

Answer: “A lot of us have heard a lot about Alzheimer’s in recent years,” said Marie Bernard, MD. “Alzheimer’s does affect the part of the brain that controls memory, language and thinking, but forgetfulness does not always point to Alzheimer’s.”

Bernard is chair of the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and sees patients at the OU Physicians Senior Health Center. She pointed out that as many as 4.5 million Americans may suffer from Alzheimer’s. It usually begins after age 60, and the risk goes up with age, but it is not a normal part of aging.

“Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly,” Bernard noted, “but it is not the only one. Medications, stress and other factors can also affect one’s ability to remember and think clearly.”

Alzheimer’s warning signs include:

Dramatic mood swings – A loved one may exhibit outbursts of anger, bouts of fearfulness, depression or paranoia. He or she may become more easily agitated, more anxious or may exhibit selfish or childish behavior.

Disorientation or confusion - A loved one many wander off and become lost.

Forgetfulness – A loved one may begin misplacing things more frequently. He or she may have difficulty remembering recent events or retaining new information.

Dizziness or impaired equilibrium – A loved one may gradually begin to lose coordination or develop an odd gait.

Bernard stressed older adults can exhibit some or all of these symptoms and still not have Alzheimer’s. “If you notice any of these changes though, you should bring it to the attention of your loved one’s physician.”