Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

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A recent New York Times article reported that more than five million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. Citing the recent estimates released by the Alzheimer's Association, the times also reports that this is a 10 percent increase from the last official number, reported five years ago, and a number expected to more than triple by 2050.

The telephone survey took place between January 9 and February 6 and included responses from 655 adults. Sixty-seven percent of black caregivers and 63 percent of Hispanic caregivers said they did not know enough about Alzheimer's to recognize the symptoms, compared with 49 percent of other caregivers. The study also found that almost 70 percent of black and Hispanic families who have relatives with Alzheimer's disease dismiss their symptoms as part of aging.

"Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness that is by no means a normal part of aging," Faison said. "My deep concern is that caregivers who consider the disease normal and don't know how to recognize its symptoms are not going to be able to make the best health-care decisions for their loved ones with the disease and themselves as caregivers." The study also found that patient concerns about the stigma associated with Alzheimer's delayed the diagnosis in many cases. "Those of us working with Alzheimer's disease patients are not surprised by the new disease estimates published by the Alzheimer's Association," said David Bachman, M.D., MUSC Professor of Neurosciences and co-director of the ARCP. "We must find some way as soon as possible to prevent this impending public health catastrophe."

The ARCP program, developed by MUSC Geriatric Psychiatry and the Department of Neurology, serves as a statewide resource for patients, families and physicians. The program provides access to comprehensive inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, clinical drug trials and other types of research studies and educational opportunities. A wide range of clinical drug trials and other types of research studies are offered for older adults with Alzheimer's disease, other types of dementia, and Alzheimer's-related behavioral disturbances. Cognitive testing, medical monitoring and study medications are offered at no cost to qualified participants of clinical drug trials. Research staff members collaborate closely with the patient's primary care physician. Research is conducted at the Alzheimer's Research & Clinical Programs office, which is conveniently located off Interstate 26 in the North Charleston area. For more information about current and upcoming research and clinical trials, call 843-740-1592.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
1. Memory Loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative

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