Let’s talk about memory! We have all been there – the frustrated hunt for lost keys or where we parked our cars. What if forgetfulness becomes part of daily life and starts interfering with one’s daily activities? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It is a huge figure and it can be a scary subject to tackle. However, here is the best part; early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can make a huge difference.
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
There may not yet be a cure but an early diagnosis makes us take action sooner. Studies in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) suggest that early intervention with medication, mental exercises, and good habits will slow down this disease and help you keep your memory intact longer. An early diagnosis can also enable you and your family to get ready for what is coming ahead as well as take care of financial obligations and legal matters; this would also present the chance of setting up long-term care.
A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that an early diagnosis even reduced stress levels in patients and their caregivers. Early diagnosis gives the caregiver time to come to terms with functional, mood, and personality changes that occur with Alzheimer’s dementia and moving into the role of a caregiver. It has been proven that caregivers who are better able to adapt, feel more competent to care, and experience less psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
So, how can we tell if it’s more than just forgetfulness? Here are some signs that may indicate Alzheimer’s, compared to typical age-related changes.
Forgetting Important Things: Regularly forgetting recently learned information, dates, or events, and relying heavily on reminders or family for help with daily tasks. (Typical: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments, but remembering later.)
Planning and Problem-Solving Struggles: Difficulty following plans, managing finances, concentrating, or completing familiar tasks like following recipes. (Typical: Occasional errors with finances.)
Confusion and Disorientation: Losing track of time or place, forgetting how they got somewhere, or struggling to understand things happening outside the moment. (Typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Trouble with Words and Vision: Difficulty following conversations, struggling to find the right words, or experiencing vision changes that affect balance or reading. (Typical: Occasional trouble finding the right word or vision changes related to cataracts.)
Misplacing Things: Frequently misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them, sometimes accusing others of stealing. (Typical: Misplacing things occasionally and finding them later.)
Poor Judgment: Making bad decisions about money, neglecting personal hygiene, or showing a decline in judgment. (Typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.)
Social Withdrawal: Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or favorite pastimes, and struggling to keep up with them. (Typical: Occasionally feeling uninterested in social obligations.)
Mood Swings: Experiencing frequent mood changes like confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, or anxiety. (Typical: Developing specific routines and being irritable when disrupted.)
Early Detection Matters
If you or a loved one are displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor. Early detection plays a vital role in effectively managing Alzheimer’s disease. You can make an appointment to discuss your options and situation through our Provider Directory.
While there is no miracle cure to prevent Alzheimer’s, studies have shown that adopting a healthy lifestyle can greatly benefit your brain. This entails getting regular physical exercise, eating balanced diets (remember vegetables!), engaging in mind-engaging activities like puzzles, and ensuring you get enough rest (your brain needs it too). Think about this as giving your brain the right nutrients and workouts so that it remains strong!
Recognizing the warning signs and understanding the importance of early diagnosis will put you in control of your brain health. The earlier you know, the earlier you act! More so, there are several resources available like Alzheimer’s Association with support groups, educational materials, and chances for research participation. Do not be afraid to ask for help; remember that this is a journey that you don’t have to take alone!
Resources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6935598/
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