| Normal | Possible Alzheimer's |
| 1. Temporarily forgetting a colleague's name | Not being able to remember the name later |
| 2. Forgetting the carrots on the stove until the meal is over | Forgetting that the meal was ever prepared |
| 3. Unable to find the right word, but using a fit substitute | Uttering incomprehensible sentences |
| 4. Forgetting for a moment where you are going | Getting lost on own street |
| 5. Talking on the phone, and temporarily forgetting to a watch child | Forgetting there is a child |
| 6. Having trouble balancing a checkbook | Not knowing what the numbers mean |
| 7. Misplacing a wristwatch until the steps are retraced | Putting a wristwatch in sugar bowl |
| 8. Having bad day | Having rapid mood swings |
| 9. Gradual changes in personality | Drastic personality changes |
| 10. Tiring of housework, but getting back to it | Not knowing or caring about housework that needs doing |