Every now and then, I see someone who chats for a few minutes as though we are friends, but for the life of me, I cannot immediately recall the person’s name. Often, I will pick up a book to read, only to discover in the first few pages that I’ve read this before. Why didn’t I remember that? Do I have Alzheimer’s or am I getting some other form of dementia? It would not be surprising, given my age, but at this stage of my life, I am not going to get stressed out by worrying about it.
Not too long ago, when we heard “Alzheimer’s,” we thought “old age.” But this is not just a disease of old age. Early-onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s affects people younger than 65.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, getting an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health-care professionals. People who have early onset Alzheimer’s may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person differently and symptoms will vary.
If you are experiencing memory problems, have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Contact the Maine Alzheimer chapter, 772-0115, in Scarborough, for a referral. Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional. Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
There are now many Alzheimer’s support groups throughout Maine. The support groups are affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter but are independently run by as many as 40 volunteer facilitators across the state. The group leaders have participated in the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter’s Support Group Facilitator Training Program and have signed confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest forms.
The local phone number or the Helpline (800-272-3900) can provide a list of these groups.
Alzheimer’s Association Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in 140 languages, Call if you have questions about Alzheimer’s, memory loss, medications and treatment options, brain health and care options; caregiving tips and respite care options and services in your community, and call for emotional support as often as you need.
Some information in this column is from the website, www.alz.org. Check out the website for much more.
Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.
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