What's the Difference When it Comes to Memory?

For those of us with older parents (or those of us getting older ourselves), memory lapses always make us wonder and worry if it's the onset of Alzheimers or not.  It's a very, very tough thing to see our parents with dementia.  But is it leading to Alzheimers?  Or is it just part of getting older?

BTW, my Mom was given some meds that helped her dementia/memory.  I highly recommend talking to your parents' doctors if memory/dementia is causing you both stress.  It really helped her memory, and it helped my concerns for her.

I used to get more stressed about her dementia than her physical ailments. :(  I can't even explain it, really.  I guess, with her advanced heart disease and advanced emphysema, she could at least be home by herself during the day when I worked.  With mental issues, I wouldn't have been able to leave her home alone while I worked (and a nursing home was not an option as she NEVER ever wanted to go to one). 
  
In the meantime, I hope this memory comparison is helpful:

 (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE)