Seasonal realities of disease

For most families, the holiday season is filled with long-awaited opportunities for relatives to gather and celebrate. Yet, the heartbreaking reality is that an unfortunate number of people will step away from their holiday tables this year feeling blindsided by anxiety and fear, as they watch a family member exhibit behavior that may indicate the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Following the holidays, it’s no wonder that we receive more calls at the Alzheimer’s Association than during any other time of the year. With someone in this country developing Alzheimer’s once every 68 seconds and almost 200,000 Georgians suffering from the disease, concerned family members throughout metro Atlanta are certain to contact us in the com- ing weeks, unsure of where to turn or what steps to take to help their loved ones.

What people generally find most confusing when observing uncharacteristic behavior from a loved one is how to distinguish between cognitive lapses that typically occur with age, and those that indicate genuine signs of an illness like Alzheimer’s disease. While it is normal to forget names, misplace items or even have difficulty sometimes finding the right word, there are distinct characteristics of Alzheimer’s that may signal a more serious problem.

Ten common early warning signs that should never be ignored include: 1) memory loss that disrupts daily life; 2) challenges in planning or solving problems; 3) difficulty completing familiar tasks; 4) confusion with time or place; 5) trouble understanding visu- al images or spatial relationships; 6) 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; and 10) changes in mood or personality.

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed after noticing one or more of these behaviors in a family member, but what may be even more intimidating is the question of what comes next.

It is essential to remember that early detection and treatment is critical to success in managing this disease. If a loved one exhibits these early signs, the most important first step is to have that person thoroughly evaluated by a medical professional.

Early intervention is proven to help extend independence and allow for the maximum benefit from available treatments, while also providing time to prepare for what may seem like an uncertain future ahead.

Just as important, timely detection of this disease provides caregivers and loved ones with the immediate support that they desperately need.

At the Alzheimer’s Association, we understand that when caregivers feel comforted and encouraged, it directly affects the success of their loved one’s treatment; it’s why we exist. We don’t want any family in Georgia to face questions and fears regarding Alzheimer’s alone. Contact us at www.alz.org or 1-800-272-3900, and let us provide you with hope this holiday season.