Alzheimer's / Dementia Benefits of an Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis 6/5/2023 | By Annie Tobey More half of people put off seeking a medical diagnosis because they fear being diagnosed with dementia. In the long run, that hesitation and denial may make matters worse, since they miss out on the benefits of an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia as of 2023, reports the Alzheimer’s Association. As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias grows. By 2050, the number of seniors aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is projected to double to nearly 13 million. Benefits of an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offered several benefits of an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Medical benefits Taking medications that slow down progression of the disease. Although there are no current medications to cure Alzheimer’s, two treatments recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been shown to slow down progression of the disease – but they must be taken in the early stages of the disease. Thus, by denying potential signs of Alzheimer’s, you may miss the window of opportunity for utilizing these drugs. Participating in clinical trials that advance research and may provide medical benefits. Making lifestyle changes that may help extend cognitive function and improve overall quality of life, such as controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, exercising, and staying mentally and socially active. Emotional and social benefits Lessen anxieties about why an individual is experiencing symptoms. Allow families to maximize time together and access resources and support programs. More time to plan for the future Discuss treatment and other wishes (such as legal, financial, care preferences, and end-of-life decisions) while the individual and family members can still communicate fully. Related: Important research in on the science behind Alzheimer’s disease Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The Alzheimer’s Association reports 10 symptoms that can appear early, indicating the need for a professional diagnosis. 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life For example, forgetting important dates or events, repeating questions, and increasing reliance on memory aids such as notes, electronic devices, or family members. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems For example, difficulties following a familiar recipe or tracking monthly bills. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks For example, getting lost driving to a regular destination or completing a common household repair. 4. Confusion with time or place For example, having trouble understanding something if it isn’t happening immediately or forgetting where you are. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships For example, vision problems such as judging distance or determining color. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing For example, following along in a conversation or having trouble naming a familiar object correctly. 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. For example, putting things in unusual places and not recalling where they are. 8. Decreased or poor judgment For example, making many bad financial decisions, including becoming an easy mark for scammers. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities A person who is aware of a diminished ability to converse may withdraw from activities they’ve long enjoyed, from hobbies to social activities. 10. Changes in mood and personality For example, confusion, suspicion, depression, impatience, or anxiety. When not to worry Not all memory lapses are signs of dementia. Typical age-related changes include: Occasionally forgetting name or appointments but remembering them later Making occasional errors on finances Needing help doing things you don’t do often, like resetting the microwave or TV after a power outage Forgetting the day of the week (especially if you don’t have a set weekly schedule!) Vision changes related to cataracts Occasionally having trouble finding the right word (which happens to people of all ages!) Misplacing things from time to time (particularly if you’re able to mentally retrace your steps to find them) Making a poor decision or mistake occasionally (savvy scammers can trick people of any age, so beware!) Sometimes feeling uninterested in social engagements (physical ailments, fatigue, and depression can have the same effect, and should also be addressed!) Becoming attached to a new routine and becoming irritable when it’s disrupted If you notice any of the 10 signs If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with a medical professional. Your doctor might find another issue and solution: changing medications; improving sleep habits or addressing sleep apnea issues; addressing anxiety and depression. They may find that your concerns are simply age related. Or, yes, they may make an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, early enough to treat it to slow progression and take advantage of the other benefits. Read More Annie Tobey Annie Tobey has been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years. As editor of BOOMER magazine, she explored a diversity of topics of particular interest to adult children of seniors. When she’s not writing, she can be found running the trails or enjoying a beer with friends.