Don’t Wait to Report Memory Problems

We’ve come a long way in our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease since the discovery of the condition in the early 1900s, and we’re learning more every day. There are currently almost 100 disease-modifying treatments in clinical trials. However, we still have a way to go when it comes to how people view the condition. Unfortunately, there still exists some stigma around Alzheimer's that might prevent people from getting the care they need.

The occasional lapse in memory—like forgetting where the car keys are—happens to everyone. But these instances of slipping cognition may weigh heavier on someone who has a history of Alzheimer’s disease in their family. They may even be more hesitant than someone without a family history of dementia to seek care for their cognitive issues. Only 25% of older adults experiencing memory problems report their symptoms to their primary care provider, perhaps because of a sense of fear or denial. But experts urge people to report memory problems to their doctor as soon as possible.

“When people don’t identify the disease early on, that can cause family conflicts because people can really mask those symptoms for a long time,” explains Right at Home franchise owner Sandra Heintz. Family members may also downplay memory problems or personality changes, chalking them up to anxiety, irritability, or the regular process of aging. But telling a doctor about these symptoms can help the patient and their family:

Rule out other conditions. Thyroid problems, depression, sleep disorders and vitamin deficiency can all mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. And if the diagnosis is dementia, it’s important for doctors to identify the type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia all have different causes and treatments.

Plan ahead. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, families will want to make sure they have a plan for when the disease progresses. That means having an advance care directive, a healthcare power of attorney, and plans for care support and end-of-life decisions. Families may seek the help of a lawyer to help interpret laws that may vary by state.

“Families need a plan for what will happen as the disease progresses. You don’t know what you don’t know,” Sandra says. “What kind of modifications might be made to stay in the home as long as possible? What stage do you want to plan for leaving home? We can connect families with resources and support groups.”

Get the best treatment. Delaying diagnosis also means delaying treatment. While there is currently no known cure, lifestyle changes, medication, and memory support strategies can slow the progression of the disease.

Make safe decisions. Without a diagnosis, people with Alzheimer’s may do dangerous activities like driving or providing care for another person. Getting a formal diagnosis will help families and patients understand what precautions to take to keep their loved one safe.

Prepare emotionally. As with any life-changing illness, there are stages of grief that come with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Support groups and education for both the affected person and their families can help them understand the changes to come.

Sandra recommends the Houston and Southeast Texas Alzheimer’s Association for support groups and education for the loved ones of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her team is dementia certified, so they are well versed in understanding the challenges the disease presents to patients and their families. To get a better understanding of what it is like to live with the disease, Sandra suggests family members look into Dementia Live, a program that helps people get a real feeling for the challenges of cognitive decline.

Your health is important, and that includes brain health. Pay attention to memory changes that don’t feel right and share these concerns with your doctor. The best options for treating and managing any health condition start with giving priority to recognizing changes and sharing them with your physician. Sandra’s team is ready to help. Contact her office for a free consultation.

“We don’t have to start with in-home caregiving necessarily,” Sandra says, “but we can put our clients in touch with resources and information to help start their journey.”