During The Holidays (NAPSA)—The holiday season can be an especially important time of year to take a closer look at the physical and cognitive health of family and friends. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, spending time with friends and family members who may not see each other regularly throughout the year provides a great opportunity for a fresh perspective on health and behavior changes. Cognitive changes can occur with age; however, memory problems that impact daily living are not a part of typical aging. Recognizing the differences between normal aging and potentially more serious problemscan help to identify when it may be time to see a doctor. Know The 10 Warning Signs An important part of an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis is spotting warning signs and bringing them to the attention of a medical professional. Individuals may experience one or moreof these signs: *Memory loss that disrupts daily life Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at workor at leisure Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding visual images andspatial relationships New problems with words in speaking or writing Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps * Decreased or poor judgment Withdrawal from work or social activities *Changes in mood and personality. If you notice any of these signs in yourself, a family memberor a friend, visit your doctor. Ak Photo credit: Alzheimer's Association Family get togethers may be good times to make sure your loved ones are not showing any signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Early Diagnosis Is Key Noticing these signs and seeing your physician may allow for an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. This is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support services. Once diagnosed, individuals living with the disease can benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help them maintain a level of independencelonger. An early diagnosis also affords more time to plan for the future and participate in care decisions. Some individuals may even choose to sign up for and participate in a clinical study through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch—afree, easy-to-use matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies. A Helpful Resource Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease or seeking information, including the 10 Warning Signs, clinical studies and resources, can contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 tollfree Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
