KNOW THE 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE:
EARLY DETECTION MATTERS
Unfortunately, most Americans are
unaware of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common
form of dementia. Specifically, and in
addition to memory loss, behavioral changes like decreased judgment, difficulty
in completing tasks, and withdrawal from activities may all be signs of
Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association “Know the
10 Signs: Early Detection Matters” campaign is designed to heighten awareness
of the warning signs of this horrific disease and explain the benefits of early
diagnosis.
This campaign encourages all
Coloradoans to seek a diagnosis from a doctor if they exhibit any of the
warning signs. Early diagnosis provides
individuals the access to prescribed medications, the chance to enroll in clinical
trials of new treatment alternatives, and the opportunity to plan their own future
as well as receive support from the Alzheimer’s Association. Early detection
begins with awareness.
Doctors can now diagnose
Alzheimer’s with 90% accuracy. To understand what to look for, a thorough review
of these 10 Warning Signs is essential.
10
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
1.
Memory changes that disrupt daily life; e.g., forgetting important dates, or asking
for the same information over and over.
2. Challenges
planning and solving problems; e.g., unable
to keep track of monthly bills, or unable to follow a familiar recipe.
3.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks; e.g., not being able to remember the rules
of a familiar game, or having trouble driving to a familiar place.
4.
Confusion
with time and place; e.g., not knowing the
season, or not remembering how to get home.
5. Trouble understanding spatial
relationships or visual images; e.g.,
having difficulty reading, driving, or telling time.
6. New problems with
speaking or writing; e.g., calling
objects by the wrong word, or not being able to complete a conversation.
7. Misplacing
things and losing the ability to retrace steps; e.g., finding car keys in the oven, or becoming paranoid that others may
be stealing.
8. Decreased
or poor judgment; e.g., mismanaging
money, or paying less attention to grooming and hygiene.
9.
Withdrawal from work or social
activities; e.g. not attending club meetings
or church, or no longer having an interest in a favorite sports team.
10. Changes
in mood or personality; e.g., becoming
more confused, suspicious, fearful or agitated.
For those individuals reaching
the age of 65, when one in eight will be diagnosed, there are things that may
reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. While we
can’t prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, here are a few tips for “brain health” as we
age:
·
adopt a diet of low fat, high antioxidants, and high omega-3
foods;
·
exercise your brain with puzzles, Sudoku, math, and socializing
with others;
·
stay active and physically fit;
·
lower your cholesterol;
·
maintain a normal blood pressure;
·
reduce your risk for stroke;
·
watch your sugar levels, and reduce your risk for diabetes;
·
promote good circulation; and
·
manage your stress -- find effective ways to relax.
Every single day, science unlocks more
mysteries of the brain. But, we do not
have all the answers yet. What we do
know is, like other parts of the body, the brain may lose some agility as we
get older. And, it can deteriorate even
more without care. A good rule to
remember: WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEART IS
GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN.
For anyone with questions
or concerns, the Alzheimer’s Association provides free counseling, information
and resources, educational classes and community presentations, and assistance. In Colorado, please feel free to call our 24-hour
Helpline at 800-272-3900 and via our
Website at www.alz.org/co.
Serving all metropolitan,
suburban, and rural areas in the state, the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s
Association has office locations which include Denver, Colorado Springs,
Durango, Grand Junction, Evans for Northeast Colorado, and Pueblo for Southern
Colorado.
No one has to take this
journey alone. Individuals, family caregivers, and professionals are all
encouraged to reach out for help.
Submitted by:
Ann Carter, MPA, Regional Director, Southern Colorado /
Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter / 4104 Outlook Boulevard,
Bldg. B, Pueblo, Colorado 81008 / 719-544-5720 / 800.272.3900 HELPLINE
/ alz.org/co
November
is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month.
In the United States, there are more than 15 million Alzheimer's and dementia
caregivers.
Post
a tribute for a caregiver in your life: www.alz.org/nadam
