Many people have said, "I am losing my mind". Yet, the stark reality is that someone living with the devastating disease of Alzheimer's is slowly losing his or her mind. The word devastating really does not begin to describe the pain a loved one feels as he or she watches a family member seem to disappear right before their eyes as the Alzheimer's progresses. Alzheimer's is, according to the Alzheimer's Association, "a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks".
With aging, it is normal to become more forgetful to a certain extent. However, many people never recognize the earliest warning sign of Alzheimer's according to the Alzheimer's Association, which is when someone has difficulty remembering "newly learned information". People with Alzheimer's can remember what happened years, even decades in the past, because this involves the long-term memory. Initially, Alzheimer's affects the short-term memory. Therefore, if someone you know is forgetting "newly learned information" this should raise a red warning flag.
Ten Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association website has a list of ten early warning signs that may indicate the development of the disease.
- Memory changes that disrupt daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Often as Alzheimer's develops it may be easier for family and close friends to recognize the changes taking place, where the person with Alzheimer's may not be able to see the changes themselves. This can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and even agitation in the person who has Alzheimer's. This is especially true when people begin to question the person regarding their forgetfulness or mention the changes witnessed. It is important to see your primary care physician or family doctor if you or anyone close to you suspects someone may be exhibiting the any or all of the ten early warning signs listed above.
Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease and the rate of progression varies from person to person. According to the Alzheimer's Association, "Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions". There is no cure at this time for the sixth leading cause of death in America. However, with early diagnosis and treatment it is possible to slow the progression of the disease.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Every year the Alzheimer's Association sponsors its yearly "Walk to End Alzheimer's". The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which began in 1989, is according to the Alzheimer's Association, "the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research". Alzheimer's is more common in people age 65 and over, but there is early onset of the disease that can affect people in their 40's. Although the disease is the most common form of memory loss according to alz.org, the disease "accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia".
It is important to remember that not all forms of dementia or loss of memory are Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association helps families, friends, children, caregivers, professionals, and other people living with or affected by Alzheimer’s find answers to the questions, learn about valuable community resources, locate support groups both online and offline, and even identify legal issues associated with this devastating disease. Remember, an early diagnosis, with early treatment can help slow the progression of the disease that affects so many people every day. Perhaps one day Alzheimer's will cease to exist, except as a distant memory.
Resources
Alzheimer's Association What Is Alzheimer's (accessed 09/16/2011).
Erika Lyn Smith - Erika Lyn Smith - is a Psych RN, who has completed the UMSL Medicolegal Death Investigator Training Course, and is finishing a BS in ...
