As current medications for Alzheimer’s disease only slow its progression, early diagnosis and treatment are essential if patients are to benefit. However, most people with the condition are diagnosed late in the progression of the disease. According to a report released by Alzheimer's Disease International, failure to detect Alzheimer’s early not only limits treatment, it compounds a host of other problems for patients, families, caregivers, communities and health professionals.
"Failure to diagnose Alzheimer's in a timely manner represents a tragic missed opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of people," said Dr. Daisy Acosta, chair of Alzheimer's Disease International. "It only adds to an already massive global health, social and fiscal challenge."
One of the biggest problems for patients is getting their condition recognized. "They feel like they are adrift too often, with their loved ones trying to care for them without support," said Robert J. Egge, vice president for public policy and advocacy at the Alzheimer's Association.
According to the report:
- Of the estimated 36 million people with dementia worldwide, 75 percent have not been diagnosed.
- Failure to diagnose is based on the false belief that dementia is a normal part of aging and nothing can be done about it.
- Drugs and psychological treatment can improve cognition, independence and quality of life.
- Governments should spend money on diagnosis and treatment to reduce the costs of care later.
The report recommends that governments:
- Teach physicians and other health care professionals to detect dementia early.
- Create networks of specialist centers to confirm early-stage dementia and enact care plans.
- Publicize interventions that are effective in improving cognitive function, treating depression, improving caregiver mood and delaying institutionalization.
- Spend more money on research.
"What is clear is that every country needs a national dementia strategy that promotes early diagnosis and a continuum of care thereafter. Primary care services, specialist diagnostic and treatment centers and community-based services all have a part to play, but to differing degrees, depending upon resources," said lead report author Dr. Martin Prince.
If you are concerned and think you may have dementia, the researchers recommend that you pursue the diagnosis when you see any of the warning signs and seek out care from professionals. Let them know your concerns and pursue it until you get the answers you need.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, Dementia
The Alzheimers Association lists these “10 Signs of Alzheimer’s.” Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning a project or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial 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 or personality
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Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Alzheimer’s Association