In 1983 President Ronald Reagan declared November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At that time, fewer than two million Americans had Alzheimer’s. Today, 44 million people worldwide and 5.5 million in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s.
While there have been strides in awareness since 1983, there have been less gains in understanding the disease. One fact we do know is that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of the aging process so if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, you should consult a doctor.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
As with any disease, early detection matters. One of the best ways to ensure your doctor understands your current cognitive abilities is to have a memory screening. Regular memory screenings will allow your doctor to quickly identify any changes and address any concerns.
Memory screenings are covered by Medicare as part of the Medicare Wellness Program and are often covered by insurance companies as well. Check with your doctor for more information. If you have questions about how to start a conversation with your loved-ones care provider regarding memory concerns and what a screening could look like, please call us today at 781-863-1166 ext. 104. We are here to help.
