By Donna Brock, CMC
As an aging life care manager, I have a passion to help my clients and their family members discover the resources and support that will enable them to age successfully. Older adults are faced with a variety of challenges and diagnoses. It is amazing to me that so many people believe memory problems are a “normal” part of aging and simply do not bother to share their concerns with their physician or family.
Diagnosis is important and an accurate diagnosis is critical.
It is true that no one wants to learn they have Alzheimer’s disease; however, to cope and make plans for your future, you need to understand the symptoms, the diagnosis and create a plan of care.
The Mayo Clinic defines Alzheimer’s disease as “a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. It’s the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that result in the loss of intellectual and social skills. These changes are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells themselves degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.
Currently Alzheimer’s disease has no cure. As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
I cannot stress enough how important it is talk with your physician about your symptoms. Early diagnosis is important and an accurate diagnosis is critical:
- Early treatment is more effective than waiting.
- Early and accurate diagnosis allows for better planning and opportunity to include the person with dementia in the process. Planning makes a difference in options the person may have as the disease leads to changes in abilities and needs.
There is help available for the person with the diagnosis and their caregivers.
Next time, I will share a list of facts and myths about warning signs and symptoms.