The earlier that Alzheimer’s and other dementias are diagnosed, the sooner people and their families can receive information, care, and support. As the compelling data indicate, many Americans are not being diagnosed early or told about their diagnosis.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. In the early stage of Alzheimer’s dementia, for example, a person may function independently, still drive, work, and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may notice memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Use this guide to discover the importance of early intervention in Alzheimer’s care and the many benefits for the individuals who are diagnosed.
The Importance of Early Intervention in Alzheimer’s Care
A formal diagnosis allows people living with dementia to have access to available symptomatic treatments and interventions, build a care team, participate in support services, and potentially enroll in clinical trials. They and their caregivers can set systems in place to better manage medications, receive counseling, and address the challenges of other chronic conditions.
Additional advantages include planning for future financial and legal needs and end of life choices.
Public health can impact early detection and diagnosis by developing professional competencies needed to effectively and compassionately interact with and assess people with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. For timely and accurate early detection to occur — and subsequent diagnosis and disclosure awareness — people must feel comfortable discussing symptoms and concerns with their healthcare providers. This requires addressing barriers such as low public awareness of the early signs of Alzheimer’s, emotional distress of Alzheimer’s and other dementias on family members, and misperceptions about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.1,2 In addition, public health should consider addressing obstacles faced by physicians such as:
- low recognition of the signs of cognitive impairment
- confusion with conditions that may mimic dementia (including delirium, certain vitamin deficiencies, and depression)
- limited education or training on dementia care
- concerns about stigma and the usefulness of an early diagnosis; lack of time
- and difficulty talking about dementia or disclosing a diagnosis. (3,4,5,6)
Nearly 90% of Americans say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to know if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, over half of the people aged 45 and older with subjective cognitive decline have not talked with a healthcare provider about their questions, concerns, and fears. Among those whose memory problems were creating functional difficulties, 42% had not shared these issues with a provide.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember (like sticky notes or reminders).
- Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure: having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping.
- Confusion with time or place: having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations: having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often.
- New problems with words in speaking or writing: having trouble following or joining a conversation or struggling to find a word you are looking for (saying “that thing on your wrist that tells time” instead of “watch”).
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: placing car keys in the washer or dryer or not being able to retrace steps to find something.
- Decreased or poor judgment: being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities: not wanting to go to church or other activities as you usually do, not being able to follow football games or keep up with what’s happening.
- Changes in mood and personality: getting easily upset in common situations or being fearful or suspicious.
If you notice any of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease yourself or someone you know, schedule an appointment with your doctor. An early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s provides a range of benefits for the individuals who are diagnosed.
Importance of Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Getting checked by your doctor can help determine what’s causing symptoms. If Alzheimer’s is the cause, an early diagnosis allows you:
- Access to treatment options: Current medications do not cure Alzheimer’s, but three treatments — aducanumab (Aduhelm®), donanemab (Kisunla™) and lecanemab (Leqembi®) — demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s. (Aducanumab will be discontinued on Nov. 1, 2024. Please connect with your provider on treatment options.) Others may help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time. An early Alzheimer’s diagnosis provides you with a better chance of benefiting from treatment.
- An opportunity to participate in clinical trials: An early diagnosis makes individuals eligible for a wider variety of clinical trials, which advance research and may provide medical benefits.
- A chance to prioritize your health: Some lifestyle changes, such as controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active, may help preserve cognitive function.
Ease Anxiety
Receiving an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis may help lessen anxieties about why you are experiencing symptoms. You and your family also have the opportunity to maximize your time together and access resources and support programs.
Open Communication
Do you know who you would want to make decisions for you in the event you’re no longer able to? An earlier diagnosis also allows you to be open with your family and support network about what you want during each stage of the disease. This can give you peace of mind, reduce the burden on family members and prevent disagreements.
Express Wishes and Address Concerns
Planning ahead allows you to express your wishes about legal, financial and end-of-life decisions. You and your family will be able to review and update legal documents, discuss finances and property, and identify your care preferences. You can also address potential safety issues, such as driving or wandering, ahead of time.
Reduce Costs
Early diagnosis saves costs of medical and long-term care for both families and the U.S. government. Among all Americans alive today, if those who will get Alzheimer’s disease were diagnosed when they had mild cognitive impairment, before dementia, it would collectively save approximately $7 trillion* in health and long-term care costs.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis also helps strengthen the support system by involving family and friends sooner, allowing everyone to better prepare for the journey ahead. It provides more time to coordinate practical aspects of care, such as arranging home assistance, transportation, and daily living support. Individuals can explore community resources and dementia-friendly programs early on, which can improve quality of life.
Being diagnosed early gives people with Alzheimer’s a stronger voice in decisions about their care and future, helping to reduce the emotional strain caused by uncertainty. Additionally, early awareness opens opportunities for mental health support and counseling, which can be vital for both those diagnosed and their loved ones.
Additional Reading: Why Get Checked? – Alzheimer’s Association
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Promedcare has evolved into a caring business that focuses on individuals’ specific needs and preferences. This type of care fosters independence, happiness, and a sense of familiarity by acknowledging older individuals’ desire to age in the comfort of their own homes.
For some, it’s to provide extensive ongoing care for an aging senior. For others, we offer a much-needed break or, respite care – such as a night out with a spouse, vacation, or simply a few hours of quiet time at home – for family members who provide regular care. We offer a wide range of care services customized for each individual client.
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