Look for Alzheimer’s signs

The Island Now

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation is providing a list of six early signs of brain disease.
The foundation has been providing supportive community-based services to Alzheimer’s families on Long Island for over 25 years, according to a press release from Corbett Public Relations.
“When individuals are diagnosed early they can access programs and get involved in activities,” LIAF executive director Tori Cohen said.  
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, however, early diagnosis and treatment has proven helpful. 
The following are some of the observable behaviors and early signs of Alzheimer’s disease that should raise concerns and warrant medical evaluation:  
1.    Memory loss of recent events
·  Asking repeated questions
·  Telling the same story multiple times
·  Misplacing items
2.    Disorientation
·  Becoming lost in places that used to be familiar
·  Difficulty following directions
·  Difficulty keeping track of dates and appointments
3.    Difficulty communicating
·  Difficulty finding the right word when speaking
·  Difficulty recalling names
·  Calling objects or people by the wrong name
·  Difficulty with written language
4. Personality changes
·  Becoming more mellow or withdrawn
·  Becoming more irritable or agitated
·  Becoming more self-centered or inconsiderate of others
5. Trouble with routines
·  Difficulty handling household responsibilities, such as balancing the checkbook or preparing a meal
·  Difficulty organizing the steps involved in completing complex tasks
·  Forgetting what has already been done and what hasn’t
6. Decline in hygiene, which can manifest as
·  Becoming untidy in appearance; failing to groom appropriately
“These are potential warning signs and indicate the person exhibiting these behaviors should undergo a complete medical/neurological exam,” Cohen said.  “This is a vital first step in getting a proper treatment for the person as early as possible if in fact the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or some other malady is confirmed.”
For information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and the programs and services LIAF offers at 6 Channel Drive in Port Washington and at other locations in Nassau County, visit liaf.org or call Christine Rice at (516)767-6856, Ext. 19.

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