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. Seeking pt bookkeeper Troy property mngmt compny. Min 10 yrs exp w/ bookkeeping/ accounting. 4-6 days per month with opportunity to increase days. Salary based on exp. Send resume to RLG@rosincompany.com the exchange community bulletin board | professional services For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 Deadline for ad insertion is noon on Friday prior to publication. Alzheimer’ s and Dementia: The 10 Warning Signs You Need to Know FROM STATEPOINT ALZHEIMER’ S ASSOCIATION