The Alzheimer’s Association reports that over five million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s right now, and many do not even know it. In fact, over half of the dementia cases in the US are due to Alzheimer’s disease.
We are bombarded with statistics all the time, so many people were hurt by this or that, tornados, floods, drought, cancer or accidents, the list goes on. Over five million people living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. is a staggering number of people. Maybe that is all it sounds like, a bunch of depressing numbers about things that happen to somebody else.
For many, Alzheimer’s is like that, a far-off concept that will never touch their lives, until it does. Then the reality of how terrible a disease it really is starts to sink in as those they love begin to fade away like a Polaroid photo in reverse. This article will help you identify Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms and action steps to take if you suspect it.
Alzheimer’s Is Not Simply Part of Aging
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease. It is not part of normal aging; it is not inevitable, and even though the numbers are grim, there is hope. There are newer treatments and we now have a better understanding of how Alzheimer’s works. The medical and scientific communities have also worked hard to raise awareness of the disease. Which has increased the odds of early detection, a critical factor for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
We all have momentary lapses. We may, for instance, forget a phone number or an item that we meant to pick up at the store. Just because you refer to something as a doohickey or someone as whatsername because you can’t recall it at that very minute does not mean that you automatically have the disease.
There are, however, certain things that you should be aware of. Alzheimer’s, like many diseases, progresses in stages and there are symptoms that you need to take note of. The first stages are often mild and may go relatively unnoticed until they become more pronounced.
For example, misplacing your keys can happen to anyone. Not being able to remember how to operate a car after a lifetime of driving, however, creates more cause for concern.
Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms
- As previously noted, not all temporary lapses in memory are a problem, but persistent memory changes that include increasingly becoming more forgetful can be an early-warning sign of something more serious.
- If someone begins to have trouble completing familiar tasks such as cooking or following a recipe that they have used many times before or being unable to remember daily routines, there may be cause for concern.
- Becoming confused as to place, time and or forgetting the names or faces of family and friends is also a symptom of potential Alzheimer’s disease.
- People with Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms may also begin to find it difficult to follow or participate in conversations, recognize road signs or distinguish colors.
What To Do If You Suspect Alzheimer’s Disease
If you or someone you love seems to be going through any of these Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms or are just becoming concerned about a decline in cognitive function, you should contact your medical provider promptly. Most patients simply make an appointment with their regular physicians.
The doctor can then begin with a baseline evaluation and order any necessary testing (these generally include a check of mental status). The doctor will usually ask a series of simple questions to determine if there is any impairment. He or she may administer a test to determine if the patient can follow instructions and or solve simple problems.
In addition, the doctor will likely order some more sophisticated neurological tests to make sure that the patient is not having problems with speech, balance and or coordination. He or she may also order blood work and schedule various imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. Afterwards, if they feel it is warranted, they may refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation.
A definitive diagnosis is not always possible, but providing the physician with specific details and events, changes in behavior or daily routines-along with appropriate testing can go a long way in establishing what, if any treatment is necessary. Remember, the earlier Alzheimers is detected, the better the potential outcome will be.
References for Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms and Action Steps:
The Alzheimer’s Association National Office “What is Alzheimer’s”. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
Image Credit: Xavi Talleda