POSTED BY SHANE PORTER
Alzheimer’s disease now affects more than 5 million Americans and is the most common form of dementia, a general term that describes a variety of diseases and conditions that develop when nerve cells in the brain die or no longer function normally.
The disease often begins with memory loss and difficulty concentrating, yet over time Alzheimer’s will completely impair one’s ability to carry out basic functions such as speaking, writing, walking, and swallowing… eventually leading to death.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
1) Alzheimer’s is the now the 6th leading cause of death
2) The disease will cost the nation $203 billion in 2013
3) Someone develops Alzheimer’s every 68 seconds
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and there are ways to decrease your chances of getting it.
Early-Onset
Another frightening trend is the younger age at which Alzheimer’s is emerging. The time to begin taking care of your brain is now…. the Alzheimer’s Association currently estimates that more than 200,000 people in their 40s and 50s have early-onset, and by 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is set to triple.
Since there is no cure on the horizon, prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention remain our most powerful allies.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
Keep an eye on your loved ones and look out for these 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, compiled by the Alzheimer’s Association:
1) Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2) Challenges in planning or solving problems
3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4) Confusion with time or place
5) Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6) New problems with words in speaking or writing
7) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8) Decreased or poor judgment
9) Withdrawal from work or social activities
10) Changes in mood and personality
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms described above, our Doctors can help.