Remember to think about forgetfulness

The holiday season is a time when families gather to celebrate, reflect on memories of the past and create new plans for the future. These occasions also prompt us to notice any behavioral changes among family members. Since many families don’t see each other regularly throughout the year, it’s often around the holidays that we notice both physical and mental changes in loved ones.

Slight changes in memory may be normal as people age, but it’s important to recognize and acknowledge these changes, as they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. That’s why it’s also important for people to understand the differences between normal memory loss associated with aging and the potential warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

"Many people notice their elderly parents gradually becoming more forgetful, but what often happens is that they don’t take the signs seriously or they’re afraid or unsure of how to take action," said Stephen Aronson, M.D., clinical assistant professor, University of Michigan, and Alz-heimer’s expert.

"The problem is made worse because people suffering from the onset of Alzheimer’s can often be defensive, and will often deny that a potential problem exists," Aronson said.

About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. That number is expected to increase to about 14 million by 2050. The potential implication is that many of us may have to fill the role of caregiver in the near future; therefore, it’s critical to be able to identify some warning symptoms. If affected by Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one may:

Have difficulty performing familiar tasks. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may begin to forget how to perform simple, everyday tasks that he/she has performed for years.

Become more forgetful. A very common sign of dementia is forgetting recently learned information.

While this happens to everyone, those with Alzheimer’s disease forget information more quickly and don’t remember it later.

Have problems with language. A person with Alzheimer’s disease often forgets simple words or substitutes unusual words in their place, making their speech difficult to interpret.

Begin misplacing things. While it’s perfectly normal to temporarily misplace your car keys, someone with Alzheimer’s disease may place things where they don’t belong, such as putting a container of ice cream in the microwave or hiding objects in unusual places.

You should consult with a physician if you have concerns that your loved one may be experiencing behavior changes or memory loss. "There are treatments available that can significantly slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and the earlier the diagnosis, the more effective these treatments can be," said Aronson.

To assist the physician in a proper diagnosis, be sure to bring a list of unusual behaviors or symptoms you’ve noticed, past and present medical problems, and a list of all current medications that your loved one takes. Also be sure to ask questions about the testing and diagnosis process. For additional assistance, ask for a referral to a physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders or inquire about local Alzheimer’s centers or support groups.

Caregivers who are concerned about Alzheimer’s disease and its effects on their loved ones shouldn’t be reluctant to ask for more information and support.

One free support program for both caregivers and healthcare professionals is called Sharing-Care, sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P.

To learn more, please visit www.SharingCare.com.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.