June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There are more than 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and more than 11 million family and friends are providing care and support.

Given June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, it seems like the perfect opportunity to explore what it means to have cognitive decline, dementia, and how to detect early signs of decline, which may often be due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive decline usually starts insidiously. When it is detectable with paper and pencil testing at a clinician’s office, it may be called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A person’s MCI may progress to the state of dementia. Dementia is a word that means that a person has had decline in memory, language, reasoning, or other thinking skills, and that this decline has impaired the person’s ability to take care of their activities of daily living. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease may account for up to 60 to 80% of all dementing illnesses. Caused by damage to brain cells that affects the ability to remember and/or communicate, dementia is not a normal part of aging. There are many different types of dementia and is possible to develop more than one type at the same time (this is referred to as mixed dementia).

Common signs of dementia include problems with:

• Short-term memory.
• Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
• Paying bills.
• Planning and preparing meals.
• Remembering appointments.
• Traveling out of the neighborhood.

In most cases, the signs of cognitive decline start out slowly and gradually worsen over time, and a person may progress to the state of dementia. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them. It’s possible there could be other treatable issues affecting his or her cognition (e.g., a medication conflict). Even if symptoms suggest cognitive decline or dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments. In addition, an early diagnosis gives the individual and their family as much time as possible to plan for the future. 

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease caused by complex brain changes resulting from cell damage. While scientists aren’t entirely clear on what causes the cell damage, they do know that as the damage spreads, cells lose their ability to function and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain.

Because the disease typically starts in the area of the brain associated with new learning, the most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information. As the disease advances, symptoms intensify and expand in scope.

Common signs of Alzheimer’s include:

• Challenges in planning or solving problems.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
• New problems with words, speaking, or writing.
• Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships.
• Confusion with time or place.
• Decreased or poor judgement.
• Withdrawal from work or social activities.
• Changes in mood and personality.

Over time, Alzheimer’s can lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, there are treatments that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. As with any form of dementia, early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is key.

Of course, raising concerns about changes in someone’s—or even your own—abilities or behavior can be difficult. However, there are real risks and health concerns related to all forms of dementia. It’s best to be evaluated by a doctor to determine what’s behind the changes taking place. In some ways, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s may provide some relief as it explains what’s happening and allows you to anticipate and prepare for future changes.

If you’re concerned you or a loved one maybe experiencing signs of dementia, take the important first step and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and what you can do to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s click here.

Aleksandra C. Stark, MD, is a neurology specialist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.