Four things that you may not know about Alzheimer’s disease
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, our annual opportunity to learn about this mysterious illness. It’s also our chance to learn more about our wonderful brains and to incorporate some practices that benefit them.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease; the association projects that this figure will reach 14 million in the next 30 years. Sadly, one of three Americans dies from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia; Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the US.
Learning about Alzheimer’s is an important tool in fighting against it. While early diagnosis can make a big difference in helping those with Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that only about 16 percent of seniors indicate that they get regular cognitive assessments. That’s one reason why an annual awareness campaign is so important. The more we know about Alzheimer’s, the better prepared we are to confront it. Honor Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month by considering these four things that you may not know about the disease.
Surprising symptoms
There are three stages to Alzheimer’s disease. It is a progressive illness that impacts people differently. The Alzheimer’s Association explains: “The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.”
Some common symptoms include disruptive memory loss, difficulty with daily tasks and time and place confusion. Other Alzheimer’s symptoms include poor judgement and mood changes. The latter symptoms may be especially surprising as they may make the sufferer’s family feel like the disease is impacting and altering their loved one’s personality, which makes this illness especially difficult.
Early detection can help
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can be worrisome when they surface. Whether we do this consciously or unconsciously, it can be tempting to try to explain away indicators that we notice in ourselves or our loved one. We may be inclined to make excuses for worrisome behaviors and lapses in judgement and memory rather than sharing what we notice with our doctors. It’s a common coping mechanism to skirt what worries us and to pretend that it isn’t there. But this stands to make us feel worse. We will continue to notice worrisome behaviors, and they will feel even more alarming if we’re actively trying not to pay attention to them.
Also, symptoms may become worse over time, and early detection can help with symptom management. The Alzheimer’s Association explains: “early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and provides an opportunity to volunteer for clinical trials or studies. It also provides time to plan for the future.”
Alzheimer’s risk factors
Much is still being discovered about Alzheimer’s disease. Research is still underway to fully understand what causes the disease. Researchers don’t believe that a single factor triggers Alzheimer’s disease; instead, they theorize that multiple factors contribute to the illness. The Alzheimer’s Association explains that heredity is among these risk factors; others include age, family history, heart health and history of head injury.
Just as there not a singular trigger, there’s not one test or culture that yields results about this complex disease. Thought it can be diagnosed with certainty, the process requires a variety of testing methods. The association explains: “Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer's disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.”
Trained to help
Visiting Angels caregivers undergo special training to assist clients who have Alzheimer’s Disease. Adding a professional to your care team when a loved one is experiencing Alzheimer’s can be helpful for both the client and their families. Visiting Angels Caregivers are trained to observe all Covid-19 protocols, so clients and their families can feel confident aging, with the right support team, in the comfort of their own homes.
Alzheimer’s can be stressful, but with the right support and care, those who struggle with the disease can continue to live happy and healthy lives.