Dispelling myths about Alzheimer’s disease
In 1982 President Reagan signed a proclamation designating the first National Alzheimer’s Awareness Week. Since then November has become National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and an opportunity to educate the public about a disease that affects more than 5 million Americans. Alzheimer’s disease has received much press since President Reagan shared with the Nation in 1994 that he suffered from the disease. But with all the available information on Alzheimer’s disease there are still many myths.
Myth 1: Memory loss is a normal part of aging
Although research suggests there may be a slowing down of recall as the brain ages, significant or progressive memory loss is not a normal part of aging. There is a saying that if you forgot where you parked your car at the mall you are probably OK, but if you forgot that you drove to the mall you should be concerned. If memory loss (forgetting appointments, losing things, forgetting names of familiar people, etc.) starts to affect your daily functioning it is worth discussing with your primary physician.
Myth 2: All memory loss is caused by Alzheimer’s disease
It is important to know that there are many different causes of memory loss and to highlight that some causes are reversible. Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and loss of mental function. There are many reversible causes of dementia such as drug interactions, untreated medical conditions, depression, and acute infection. When treated for one of these causes dementia often clears up. It has been estimated that 10 percent of reported dementia cases are reversible but if left untreated can cause permanent damage.
Myth 3: Since there is no cure there is no need for a diagnostic evaluation
If you or someone you know is suffering from memory loss, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause. Memory loss does not always mean that someone has Alzheimer’s disease. There are many different causes of memory loss and some causes are reversible if treated in time. It is true that there is no one test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease but through a variety of tests other causes can be ruled out. A diagnostic workup usually involves a thorough medical history, a complete physical and neurological exam, mental status testing, blood tests and brain imaging.
Myth 4: There is nothing that can be done for someone with Alzheimer’s disease
Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial to one’s overall wellbeing. Although there is no current cure, treatments are available to treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. The disease causes a destruction of brain cells, which ultimately affects one’s overall functioning.
Symptoms & Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Some common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include confusion, disturbances in short-term memory, problems with attention and spatial orientation, changes in personality, language difficulties and unexplained mood swings. Normally, these symptoms are very mild, and presence of the disease may not be apparent to the person experiencing the symptoms, loved ones or even health professionals. The three stages listed below represent the general progression of the disease. Although these symptoms will likely vary in severity and chronology, overlap and fluctuate, the overall progress of the disease is fairly predictable. On average, people live for 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, but this terminal disease can last for as long as 20 years.
Alzheimer’s generally leads to impairment of cognitive and memory function, communication problems, personality changes, erratic behavior, dependence and loss of control over bodily functions. Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t affect every person the same way, but symptoms normally progress in these stages.
Accessing appropriate treatments and medications (as prescribed by your doctor) early on in the disease may temporarily slow down the progression of the disease and associated symptoms. Early detection also allows the person to plan ahead and make their wishes known about medical care, legal matters, and future care options.
Most importantly people should remain active in their lives and continue to participate in meaningful activities. Connecting with others diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease can alleviate loneliness and fears. Early stage support groups bring people together to share concerns and coping strategies. Adult day health programs which offer an array of therapeutic activities also provide structure and meaning to one’s day.
Very Early Signs and Symptoms
Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss, possibly due to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Some people with memory problems have a condition called amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with this condition have more memory problems than normal for people their age, but their symptoms are not as severe as those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Other recent studies have found links between some movement difficulties and MCI. Researchers also have seen links between MCI and some problems with the sense of smell. The ability of people with MCI to perform normal daily activities is not significantly impaired. However, more older people with MCI, compared with those without MCI, go on to develop Alzheimer’s.
A decline in other aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are looking to see whether brain imaging and biomarker studies, for example, of people with MCI and those with a family history of Alzheimer’s, can detect early changes in the brain like those seen in Alzheimer’s. Initial studies indicate that early detection using biomarkers and imaging may be possible, but findings will need to be confirmed by other studies before these techniques can be used to help with diagnosis in everyday medical practice.
These and other studies offer hope that someday we may have tools that could help detect Alzheimer’s early, track the course of the disease, and monitor response to treatments.
If you or someone you know is concerned about memory loss, I urge you to discuss it with your doctor. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease visit http://www.alz.org/MANH.
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By Lorraine Kermond
Wicked Local Lexington
Lorraine D. Kermond is director of development at Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. Adult Day Health Services, Inc.