An estimated 91,000 Coloradans are among 7.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, but, sadly, only about half of those are ever diagnosed.
To help address that, the Alzheimer’s Association and Pagosa Bible Church will collaborate on a special program, “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Alzheimer’s” at 1pm on Sunday, September 28.
“There are many misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease,” said Bobbie D’Addario, senior program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “Many people believe Alzheimer’s is a natural part of aging. Others do not recognize the 10 most common warning signs that, if spotted early, could lead to treatments that can affect the course of the disease.”
While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are other treatable medical conditions that can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including depression, stress, untreated sleep apnea, side effects of medications, Lyme disease
and certain vitamin deficiencies.
“Since there are a number of other medical conditions that can simulate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it reinforces the importance of seeing a physician if one experiences several of the warning signs,” said D’Addario.
Those 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s are:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
4. Confusion with time or place.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and distances.
6. New problems in speech or comprehension.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment.
9. Changes in ability to work or socialize.
10. Changes in mood and personality.
The September 28 program will be held at 1pm at Pagosa Bible Church, 209 Harman Park Drive. No advance registration is required.
To learn more about the information, programs and services provided at no charge by the Alzheimer’s Association, go to alz.org or call the association’s free Helpline, staffed 24/7 by trained professionals, at (800) 272-3900.