Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection and Treatments
Every eight seconds someone turns 50. According to the Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2000 the population of 65 year olds was 35 million, in just eight years it will jump to 55 million. As a clinical social worker with a keen awareness of the elder community, my interest in gerontology is increasing along with the aging population. One prominent concern of aging is the possible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
November is Alzheimer’s awareness month and along with my colleagues at the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine, I would like to signify the importance of early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by the year 2050 13.5 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease; in 2010 it was only 5.1 million.
Early post clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease are, but not limited to, memory deficits, impaired reasoning, difficulty in maintaining one’s own affairs, such as balancing a check book, personality and/or mood changes (U.S... Department of Health and Human Services/National Institute on Aging, September 2012). Awareness of these early signs is significant to not only the patient but to the patient’s family and the community as well. Early treatment of Alzheimer’s is paramount to the outcome of many factors.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can lead to a custom made treatment plan, increase in community support and resources, improved medication management, individualized goal setting and family participation. The significant outcome is quality of life for the patient.
If you suspect that you or your loved one would benefit from early detection and evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease please feel free to contact our clinic at: 248-608-8800. One of our professional staff members would be happy to speak to you and your family about proper evaluation and a comprehensive treatment plan.
For more information regarding Alzheimer’s disease please visit the links below.
www.alzfdn.org
www.alz.org
Marie McMahon, L.M.S.W., A.C.G.
