The Caring Corner®

3 Reasons To Be Checked For Alzheimer’s Disease

December 28, 2015

Alzheimer’s Disease affects over 5.3 million people in the US and by 2050, over 16 million will have the disease. Someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds. However, among those diagnosed with the disease, only 33% are aware they even have it. Among those living with Alzheimer’s, only about half have ever been diagnosed. One of the best advantages of treating the disease is early diagnosis. It is important to see a doctor if you notice warning signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one. Early detection offers the best advantage to treating Alzheimer’s.

There are 3 key advantages:

  1. Longer Benefits.  Early detection allows time to treat the disease or participate in an experimental trial to slow the progression of the disease. Additionally, it allows benefits from current treatments so that you can maintain your independence longer.
  2. More Time To Plan. It will allow you to plan for the future such as finances, estate planning and options for ongoing care and end of life decisions. Earlier diagnosis will allow you to develop the right treatment plan with experts in the field.
  3. More Time To Find Help. You will have time to find help from social workers, medical providers and therapists. It will allow your family to adjust and prepare for the future.

Some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

Difficulty making plans

Difficulty completing tasks or routines at home or work

New problems with language, speech or writing

Confusion with time and place

New vision problems or difficulty with spatial relationships

Losing things frequently

Withdrawing from social activities

Decreased judgment or poor decision-making

Changes in mood or personality

 

Dealing with any medical condition can be difficult, but preparing yourself for the future and taking advantage of early treatments can help you to be pro-active with your care.

 

 

 

 

Acorn provides screened and vetted in home care givers.

Our clients have dementia, Alzheimer’s, ALS and other similar conditions.

Call us if you have any questions.

We serve Chapel Hill, Carrboro and other nearby locations.

 

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