Many baby boomers are faced with the reality of living with their elderly parents as their loved ones lose the ability to be independent. They are a part of or aware of their parent's every day activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is in these close quarters that the caregivers may begin to see changes in their parent's actions, thoughts and emotions. The question may arise, "Are these changes attributed to the natural aging process or are these the first signs of dementia and Alzheimer's?" Listed below are warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's to look for according to the Alzheimer's Association. Also listed are signs associated with the normal aging process.

1. Memory Loss - Forgetting recently learned information. A person will begin to forget things more ofetn and unable to recall information later.  Normal Aging: Forgetting occasionally names or appointments. 
2. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks - People find it hard to plan or perform every day tasks. Examples are forgetting the steps that it takes to prepare a familiar meal, playing a game or placing a telephone call.  Normal Aging: Forgetting occasionally the reason for going into a room or what you want to say.
3. Problems with Language - Forgetting simple words or using unusual words in both speech and writing.  Normal Aging: Sometimes having problems finding the right word to use.
4. Disorientation to Time and Place - People suffering from Alzheimer's may become lost in their own neighborhoods, forget where they are and how they got there. They are also disoriented to where they do not know how to retrace steps to return where they came from. Normal aging:  Forgetting the day of the week or where they were going.
5. Poor and Decreased Judgment - Dressing inappropriately such as wearing many layers on a warm day and very little clothing in the cold are onset signs. Also look for poor decisions involving money or finances.  Normal Aging: Making questionable or debatable decisions from time to time.
6. Problems with Abstract Thinking - Unusual difficulty perfoming complex mental taks such as recognizing numbers and how they are used.  Normal Aging: When balancing your checkbook is a challenge.
7. Misplacing Things - People with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places such as car keys in the refrigerator a watch in the sugar bowl.  Normal Aging: Losing your wallet temporarily.
8. Changes in Mood or Behavior - Signs of rapid mood swings from calmness to tears to anger for no reason.  Normal Aging: Feeling sad or moody occasionally.
9. Changes in Personality - If your loved one has dementia, they may experience a dramatic change in personality. They may become confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.  Normal Aging: People's personalities do change with age but not as drastic.
10. Loss of Initiative - Signs of passiveness such as sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do normal activites.  Normal Activities: Sometimes feeling tired of work or social obligations.