What is Alzheimer’s?

Understanding Alzheimer’s

With more than 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is essential to know the early symptoms of this degenerative disease to get your loved ones the care they need and deserve. In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, the health experts at St. John’s Health are here to shed some light on this common form of dementia and how you can identify the warning signs.

What exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. In fact, AD accounts for 60-80% of all cases of dementia. AD is a degenerative condition that primarily affects one’s cognitive brain function, continuing to worsen over time. As the disease progresses, the affected individual will be unable to respond to their environment or care for themselves.

On average, a person living with this form of dementia will live for 4 to 8 years following a diagnosis as there is no cure. However, early detection can help to slow the progression of AD significantly.

Early Signs & Symptoms

When it comes to identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s, it is important to understand the difference between normal signs of aging and those that point to cognitive decline. Some of the most reported, observable signs of AD include:

• Forgetting recently learned information.
• Depending on memory aids like voice recording and written notes,
• Forgetting important dates and life events.
• Personality changes.
• Increased irritability.
• Paranoia.
• Depression.
• Repeating stories and information.
• Forgetting what everyday objects are called.
• Calling family members the wrong names.
• Stopping talking mid-sentence.

Memory Care in Jackson Hole

Sage Living is here to listen to your unique situation and work with you or your family member on the journey. Visit our website to learn more about memory care at Sage Living senior living community.