June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
June is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month! So what exactly is Alzheimer's disease? Physician Assistant, Mark Eberhard, shares insight on the neurodegenerative disease along with how to recognize the signs & symptoms.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that significantly impairs memory and cognitive function gradually over time.
It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease early so a detailed plan can be formed to increase the person's quality of life and improve their symptoms. What are some signs and symptoms to monitor for either for ourselves or within our families?
- Short term memory loss- Does the person ask the same questions over and over? Do they forget important dates and/or events?
- Difficulty planning- Is the person having trouble with their monthly payments or with their finances?
- Difficulty with familiar tasks- Is the person struggling with making familiar meals? Are they getting lost driving to familiar places?
- Mood/personality changes- Has the person become increasingly confused, anxious, depressed, paranoid, or afraid? Are they easily irritable or lashing out at others in the household for an otherwise inappropriate reason?
If you or a family member are showing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, talk to your health care provider. You can work together to create a detailed plan of action to increase the person's quality of life and improve their symptoms.
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CDC : What is Alzheimer's Disease?