Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Reviewed by Dr. Porter on October 24, 2018
Did you know someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s Disease every 65 seconds?
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and we want to help spread awareness in hopes of helping you or your loved ones recognize symptoms and early warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Memory loss can sometimes occur as you get older, but memory loss that disrupts your daily life is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Things like forgetting important dates, or asking for the same information repeatedly and the increasing need for things like reminder notes should be cause for concern. Other early warning signs include difficulty solving problems, completing familiar tasks, confusion, trouble comprehending or understanding visual images, problems with words while speaking or writing, misplacing items, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal, and changes in mood or personality.
If you notice any of these 10 warning signs in yourself or someone you know, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. There are several advantages to obtaining an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s including treatment of cognitive decline and helping you and your family learn to cope with the disease.
Cognitive decline is a symptom of Alzheimer’s as well as untreated hearing loss, but studies show that wearing hearing aids actually reduces cognitive decline associated with hearing loss. The study shows that cognitive decline is actually accelerated for individuals who have hearing loss and don’t use hearing aids. Hearing loss can be tiring and drain mental energy people need for everyday activities because the sound signal that the brain is accustomed to processing is different and it takes more effort to fill in the blanks. As a result, individuals may withdraw from social interactions because it’s too exhausting to try and keep up. Once withdrawn, depression and other related health issues set in, which have long been recognized as increased risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The average person waits 7-10 years before seeking treatment for hearing loss. Don’t let that be you or a loved one. We are here to help!
Categorised in: Signs & Symptoms