60 | NOVEMBER 28 • 2019
Boom
R
ecognizing and taking
steps to address the warn-
ing signs of Alzheimer’
s
and other dementias can be
extremely challenging — espe-
cially in the early stages. It’
s easy
and common to dismiss cognitive
changes in oneself or a family
member as “normal aging.
”
“
Alzheimer’
s is not a nor-
mal part of aging,
” says Dr.
Keith Fargo, director, scientific
programs and outreach at the
Alzheimer’
s Association. “With
normal aging, you may forget
where you parked your car —
that happens to all of us. But if
you get in your car and get lost
coming home — that’
s not nor-
mal.
”
Alzheimer’
s is a fatal progres-
sive disease that attacks the brain,
killing nerve cells and tissue,
affecting an individual’
s ability
to remember, think, plan and
ultimately function. Today, more
than 5 million Americans are
living with Alzheimer’
s. By 2050,
that number is projected to sky-
rocket to nearly 14 million.
To help families identify
signs early on, the Alzheimer’
s
Association offers 10 Warning
Signs and Symptoms, a list of
some common signs that can be
early symptoms of Alzheimer’
s or
other dementias:
1. Disruptive memory loss.
Forgetting recently learned infor-
mation, asking the same ques-
tions over and over and increas-
ingly relying on memory aids.
2. Challenges in solving prob-
lems. Changes in one’
s ability to
develop and follow a plan or work
with numbers, such as having
trouble following a familiar recipe
or keeping track of monthly bills.
3. Difficulty completing famil-
iar tasks. Difficulty completing
daily tasks, such as organizing a
grocery list or remembering the
rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or
place. Losing track of dates, sea-
sons and the passage of time.
5. Trouble understanding
visual images and spatial relation-
ships. Vision problems, which
may lead to difficulty with bal-
ance or trouble reading.
6. New problems with words
in speaking or writing. Trouble
following or joining a conversa-
tion or a struggle with vocabulary.
For example, calling a “watch” a
“hand-clock.
”
7. Misplacing things and
losing the ability to retrace steps.
Putting things in unusual places
and being unable to go back over
one’
s steps to find them again.
8. Decreased or poor judg-
ment. Changes in judgment or
decision-making when dealing
with such matters as money and
grooming.
9. Withdrawal from work or
social activities. Changes in the
ability to hold or follow a conver-
sation can result in a withdrawal
from hobbies or social activities.
10. Changes in mood and
personality. Mood and person-
ality changes, such as confusion,
suspicion, depression, fearfulness
and anxiety.
To learn more about
Alzheimer’
s disease and to find
resources, visit alz.org, the website
of the Alzheimer’
s Association
or call its 24/7, free Helpline at
800.272.3900.
It’
s important to note that
exhibiting one or more of these
10 warning signs does not mean
someone has Alzheimer’
s. In
fact, these signs may signal other
— even treatable — conditions.
However, it’
s important to talk to
your doctor to understand what is
driving cognitive changes so you
can better manage the condition
— whatever the diagnosis.
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Alzheimer’
s and Dementia:
The 10 Warning Signs
You Need to Know
FROM STATEPOINT
ALZHEIMER’
S
ASSOCIATION