In 1983, former President Ronald Reagan designated November National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
There are as many as 5.2 million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease and it is estimated that 10 million baby boomers will develop the disease according to 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.
Each of us most likely knows someone whose life has been turned upside down by this disease. Although there is not yet a cure, there is treatment available.
In order to best benefit from the treatment options, early diagnosis is important.
Mary, age 81, often forgets where she puts her keys and sometimes it takes her a long time to recall why she went into the kitchen. Should she be worried?
Rachel, age 85, cannot remember how to balance the checkbook or how to turn on the microwave. She is convinced that the microwave is broken. Should she be worried?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association Web site (www.alz.org) there are key differences between those with normal age-related memory changes (yes it is normal to have some “senior moments”) and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is normal to occasionally forget why you came into the room, like Mary, or to lose your train of thought. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease, though, often won’t recognize that they are not remembering.
It is not unusual for someone to have trouble finding the right word, but someone with Alzheimer’s disease often forgets simple words or uses the wrong word to express their thoughts. This person can get lost in familiar places or forget where they are going.
Although we all can make an inappropriate choice, the person with Alzheimer’s may show poor or decreased judgment over time, for example, not dressing appropriately for the weather.
It is normal to forget where you put something temporarily, but a person with Alzheimer’s will have problems with abstract thinking or will misplace things, like putting ice cream in the oven.
You may see the person with Alzheimer’s display changes in their mood and/or behavior. They may have rapid mood swings for no apparent reason or you may see changes in their personality, becoming confused, suspicious or fearful. You may also see a person with Alzheimer’s become passive or sleeping more than usual or no longer wanting to do their usual activities.
So what about Mary and Rachel? Mary most likely is experiencing normal age related memory loss while Rachel seems to be exhibiting signs of possible Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, seeking a medical evaluation is important. You want to rule out other physical concerns that might be contributing to memory loss.
Possible other reasons could be a urinary tract infection, depression, vitamin deficiency, thyroid problem or a drug interaction. Pretending the memory loss is not happening will not make the problem go away.
There is no test to see if you have Alzheimer’s disease, but rather the diagnosis is made by ruling out other medical conditions. The place to start would be with your primary physician who then may refer you to a neurologist or a memory clinic for further evaluation.
Alzheimer’s disease can be an isolating journey for those who have it and for people who love them. During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, think about what you can do to make a day easier for someone affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Make a phone call, offer your friendship, listen to a story told again and again, bring over a meal, offer an hour respite, be patient or give a hug. It was once said that it takes a village to raise a child. That is also true of the journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Barbara Friedlander, MSW, is geriatric care manager and director of the Ozaukee/Milwaukee branch of Embrace Care Management, LLC www.embracecaremanagement.com.
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