Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are profoundly life-changing conditions, which is why early-detection is so important. The sooner a person is formally diagnosed, the more time they have to seek effective medical and psychological interventions. However, Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates in its 2011 World Alzheimer’s Report that only 22 percent of the 36 million people living with a memory-related condition have had it confirmed by a medical practitioner.
Confirmation is critical because it’s often a prerequisite to accessing care that can improve a loved one’s quality of life, reduce the strain on caregivers and delay the need to check into a cognitive treatment community. Yet many families face obstacles, which prevent them from achieving this first step. Some do not have adequate healthcare resources, while others firmly believe in stereotypes about the nature of Alzheimer’s. Two common false assumptions are that memory problems are a normal part of aging and nothing can help a person once they’ve been diagnosed. But once the initial shock, grief and anger wear off there is in fact much that can be done.
Alzheimer’s Disease International argues that early diagnosis allows loved ones and their families to cope with their condition in a way that significantly lessons the impact of symptoms over time. The first symptom—aside from the condition itself—is usually negative feelings about the future. If you address them when the loved one is still capable of processing their emotions, you can decrease their severity. But if you wait until disorientation sets in, you will most likely have to face additional challenging behaviors like aggression, agitation and wandering.
Another benefit of early detection is reduced healthcare expenses. Currently it costs high-income countries like the United States about $33,000 each year to treat one person with Alzheimer’s. But if that person receives treatment at the earliest stage possible, those costs could be reduced by $10,000. Multiply this figure by the 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and you can begin to quantify how early detection can substantially reduce a family’s financial burden.
Finally, early detection also benefits caregivers who are often deeply affected by their loved one’s diagnosis. Oftentimes, when Alzheimer’s is addressed in the later stages, caregivers must remedy the unpaid bills and other neglected responsibilities of a friend or family member in addition to their present health needs. But if caregivers were to create a plan of action while a loved one is still cognizant, it could greatly reduce future stress.
To prepare and empower yourself, click here to learn about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.