Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function. People can't remember names, words or directions to the grocery store at first, and eventually they can't remember how to brush their teeth or button a shirt. Alzheimer's can become a dangerous disease for someone living alone, so the earlier it's diagnosed and treatment is started, the better.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis
There are medications available to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, although there is no cure for it. And the earlier these medications are started--for instance, when Alzheimer's is in its earliest stages--the more effective they are at delaying debilitating cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is also important from a caregiving and safety perspective. If Alzheimer's is left undiagnosed and a person is living alone, safety becomes a serious issue. A person with advanced Alzheimer's disease may wander away from home and get lost, or leave the stove on and start a fire.
Recognizing the First Signs
A little forgetfulness is normal, but the Alzheimer's Association says that frequent forgetfulness of important information is a big warning sign of early Alzheimer's disease. This includes forgetting names, dates, important activities or events, or needing to have information repeated over and over again. People with early Alzheimer's may also have problems concentrating or resolving problems--even something as simple as paying the monthly bills may become a challenge. The Alzheimer's Association says that people with the disease easily get confused about where they are, what time it is or where they left their car keys or eyeglasses.
Behavior Changes
Alzheimer's can be more than just memory loss--the Alzheimer's Association says that some big early warning signs include making poor decisions or generally exhibiting bad judgment. They may also become more withdrawn, avoiding social situations in favor of staying home alone. People with Alzheimer's disease may also act depressed, suspicious or anxious in general, and easily become angry, frightened or confused when they're away from home.
Seeing a Doctor
As soon as you see consistent signs of Alzheimer's disease, schedule an appointment with a doctor. It's never too early to diagnose the disease or start treatment. Understand that this is a frightening disease that means big changes in someone's life and independence, but that it does no good to delay getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis. A doctor can perform a series of tests, including mental evaluations and a careful review of medical history, to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, says the Alzheimer's Association.
Starting Treatment
There are a number of medications available to help treat Alzheimer's disease. An early diagnosis means early treatment, which can help to delay cognitive impairment and keep the brain sharper for longer, says the National Institute on Aging. Aricept, Razadyne, Namenda and Exelon are drugs specifically for the management of Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. They are approved to treat various stages of the disease, from early to late-stage Alzheimer's.
Staying Safe
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for any senior's safety--not only to begin treatment to help preserve brain function, but also to be aware of changes that need to be made to prevent accident or injury. Early diagnosis means a better quality of life for any senior faced with Alzheimer's disease.
