Most Maryland residents have heard of the progressive and debilitating form of dementia known as Alzheimer's. The brain disease is readily associated with memory loss which progressively gets worse and interferes with an individual's ability to recall information, think, process information and reason.
While most individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's are over the age of 65, in some cases the disease can affect people much younger. When the disease impact individuals in their 40s or 50s, it's known as early-onset Alzheimer's. According to the Alzheimer'sAssociationn, individuals with the disease live an average of eight years after symptoms first appear.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, a number of prescription drugs and other treatment options exist that may help delay the disease's progression and also aid in reducing symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease is important to help prolong the length and quality of an individual's life and also afford one time to make important life and estate planning decisions. This is often especially important for early-onset sufferers who may have minor-aged children.
While many people associate some degree of memory loss with aging, Alzheimer's symptoms are often more pronounced and disruptive to one's everyday life. The following are some symptoms that are commonly experienced during the early stages of Alzheimer's. Individuals who are concerned that they or a loved one may have the disease would be wise to schedule an appointment to see a doctor.
- Memory loss - Many individuals experience times when they forget an indivdiual's name or an appointment. However, in cases where instances of memory loss become more frequent and/or severe, it's wise to consult with a medical professional.
- Confussion - We all have times when we feel a bit confussed about details pertaining to certain dates, times or places. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer's confussion related to where they are, how they got there and the time or even year may occur.
- Trouble with everyday tasks - Aging is often accompanied by certain physical and cognitive impairments, however, for Alzheimer's sufferers, such difficulties are more noticable and severe. For example, an indivdiual suffering from the disease may leave the bath water running and later wonder who turned it on, forget how to work the television or realize they don't know how to get to their local grocery store.