Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association is promoting a new education campaign called Know the 10 Signs.  They sent me an email asking me to help.
This is a very condensed version of the signs; please visit the full (multi-page) section on the Alz.org website.  Click the purple boxes to get to another section (which will turn orange).
1. Memory changes that disrupt 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 see any of these in yourself or your loved ones, please get checked out.  Your GP can administer basic memory tests and will probably refer you for blood and other testing.  You may also be sent for a consult with a
  • Neurologist – specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
  • Psychiatrist – specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
  • Psychologist – has special training in testing memory and other mental functions
  • Geriatrician – specializes in the care of older adults and Alzheimer's disease

You can also call the Alzheimer's Association at 877-IS IT ALZ (877.474.8259) for more assistance.

5 comments:

Tuesday said...

Thank you so much for all the tips. My own grandfather passed away too early at the age of 67, & I constantly worry about my mother being at risk as she's already passing up her mid 50's. These are all really helpful tips to watch out for though. Here's another similar article with some good safety tips for those already caring for a loved one with the disease -

http://home-care-phoenix.carebuzz.com/alzheimers-safety-tips/

Hope it's helpful!

Best,
Tuesday

Eva S said...

Nice. I have 9 of these and I'm 40. Better head to Tijuana for the Ketamine now, just to have on hand. :(

Mirina from DatelineMedia Group said...

Thank you for the inspiring blog.
It's really great to see that you are reaching such a wide community & have been acknowledged by WellSphere.
Had trouble finding your contact, so thought I'd post a comment to try to get in touch with you!
My name is Mirina, I'm working with Dateline Media group here in Australia. We're trying to get the word out about the phase 3 global study about a new Alzheimer's drug called dimebon. Have you heard about it?
Here in AU, we've managed to get some great coverage in local media (you can see it on our blog) but so far, none of the journalists have included the contact numbers - meaning that the patients & their carer's who've heard about the study and want to find out more, have no idea where to go!
I would really appreciate it if you would review the articles and post something about the trial on your blog, including, if you could, the Australian number for your AU readers?!
That would be so great, thanks heaps!
Miri

Mirina from DatelineMedia Group said...

whopps! I didn't leave the contact details in my previous comment!

The most important info I can pass on is that patients and caregivers who are interested in finding out more about the trial can call the CONCERT study hotline toll-free at 1 800 235 526 or visit www.concertstudy.com

Much thanks.

Anonymous said...

I am 56 have ever single symptom of early onset. Have followed my memory errors and they are not normal. Putting mail in oven. etc.

I am single. My sister does not believe me. I am really moritified. Do not have the courage to go to the doc who will not doubt think I am nuts. I tried the self test and did not do great- not horrible- but not normal. I have no support no caregiver and no interest in joining a group of people who do. I have no means of support besides me and I am terrified beyond words. I am scared of losing control of my life and self. Are others alone with this? Everybody seems to have a caregiver or family. i do not know what to do or think. how long? a decade seems to be the consensus. How long can I work? What happens when I cannot?

dds35day@netscape.net