Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Among all who suffer from Alzheimer's, it's estimated that only 50 percent are diagnosed. It is also estimated that only half of those diagnosed are treated. However, the earlier you get an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the better off your loved one might be.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. But there are treatments that can slow the progression of symptoms. The earlier you treat Alzheimer's, the sooner you can see the benefits.
- An early diagnosis gives you time to consider Alzheimer's care options. It can allow you to make important financial and legal decisions while your loved one can still participate in the process.
- The sooner you know the reasons behind the changes in your loved one's behavior, the sooner you can start to address the situation and prepare for the future.
Getting Regular Memory Screenings
Experts now recommend regular memory screenings for all adults 65 and older at your doctor's office. Catching any disease in its early stage is important. For Alzheimer's, this allows healthcare professionals to:
- Introduce treatment options that may help treat the symptoms of the disease. Slowing the progression of symptoms may help the patient remain independent longer.
- Provide patients more time to consider care options and participate in legal, financial, and other important decisions while they are still able.
- Give patients and caregivers more time to adjust to the emotionally difficult news. Planning can then begin for the progression of the disease. It can also increase their understanding of the role of the family caregiver.
Talking About Alzheimer's
Some people may go undiagnosed for a long time because family members and sufferers might find the diagnosis hard to face.
- 34 percent have a loved one who they suspect might have Alzheimer's.
- Yet of those people, only about 40 percent encouraged their loved one to talk to a doctor about it.
Unfortunately, avoiding the conversation could lead to a diagnosis in later stages of Alzheimer's disease when symptoms have progressed.
- Be aware of the language and tone of voice you use. Remember that your loved one may be concerned about losing their independence. Reassure them that you want them to remain independent for as long as possible.
- Try to use an adult tone of voice when speaking to a sufferer; avoid baby talk.
- If family members are reluctant to accept the diagnosis, rather than trying to sway their opinion, help them see it for themselves. Keep a journal to record your loved one's symptoms. Invite them to spend more time with the loved one to witness the behavior firsthand. Or invite them to join you at the next doctor visit so a medical professional can explain it in neutral terms.
- If the disease is in the early stages, let your loved one decide when and where
to tell friends and other people in their daily lives. If the disease has progressed,
discuss it with family members and decide together the best way to inform
people.
It's important to help your loved one and family members to not feel ashamed. It is a disease and, while there is no cure, there are treatment options for Alzheimer's.
Get the Free Guide
The Guide to Alzheimer's includes:
- What you should know about the disease
- Doctor discussion tips
- Information about a prescription treatment option
