Peace of Mind
Dementia is a disease that causes problems with memory and thinking, and eventually decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), and ultimately the inability to live independently. Alzheimer’s disease is only one type of dementia, but the most common form (up to 70% of all dementias contributed to Alzheimer’s disease).
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and incurable disease that typically afflicts older adults but can also begin at an earlier or later. Alzheimer’s disease is the 5th leading cause of death for people 65 and older. Nearly 6 million people have Alzheimer’s disease at an annual cost of $291 billion. The number of Alzheimer’s disease cases is expected to more than double to 14 million by 2050.
Why Early Detection and Diagnosis?•
Alzheimer’s disease has no cure and no treatment that STOPs reverse the disease, however with early detection, one can start on medications that can slow its progression. And it is likely that treatment will be most effective at the earlier, pre-symptomatic stage.•
Individuals with a cognitive impairment due to a treatable condition (not due to Alzheimer’s) can receive appropriate treatments. •
It can be a relief to understand what is going on, for the individual with Alzheimer’s and the family, and can provide time to plan for future care.•
It may allow preventive steps for brain health that could potentially delay some symptoms. •
Those who are diagnosed will receive more rapid access to innovative treatments that may soon enter the market. They can also join a clinical trial registry or participate in a clinical trial.•
Patients who are only mildly impaired may be adept at covering up their cognitive deficits and reluctant to address the problem.