When a senior friend or family member stumbles over a word or loses their keys, it is easy to dismiss it as the natural effects of aging. But those small missteps may signal a serious problem. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is mostly associated with the elderly, but early-onset of the cognitive disorder can affect people as young as 40.
The specter of Alzheimer’s disease is frightening, and the common reaction is to avoid the conversation and “wait and see.” But that may be a mistake, said Amy Silbaugh, manager of clinical development at Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio.
“As soon as you notice they are forgetting things, get them to the doctor and have them evaluated,” Silbaugh said. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are medications that can slow its progression if it is detected early enough.
Silbaugh said there are three stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The best hope of treatment comes in the earliest, or mild, stage. The symptoms to watch for in this important period include:
Someone with these symptoms should see a physician, who will conduct an evaluation that includes a cognitive test used for diagnosis. There is no physical test for Alzheimer’s disease.
Once a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been made, families should get involved to help their loved ones prepare for the future. Alzheimer’s patients should determine their desires and goals, and put in place plans to ensure their decisions are carried out after they are unable to handle matters for themselves. Those plans should include assigning a legal and medical power-of-attorney, establishing a living will and an advance medical directive.
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more debilitating, and patients are said to be in the “moderate” stage, the longest of the disease. Symptoms in this stage include:
Silbaugh said this is the stage at which families should consider finding 24-hour supervision for the patient. That could take the form of private-duty nursing like that offered by VNA of Ohio, a residential care facility or living with family members.
The final stage of the disease is known as the “severe” stage. At this point, the person may be:
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