After the holidays, questions are often raised by family members about changes in cognitive health of parents and grandparents they may not see often during the year. As a result, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter has seen an increase in calls to its 24/7 Helpline, 800-272-3900, after the New Year.
In Illinois alone, more than 220,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to increase to 260,000 by 2025. It is more crucial than ever to educate others about the disease, support those living with it and their families, and fuel critical research efforts for a cure.
- More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
- It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
- Every 66 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s disease
- Alzheimer’s kills more people each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined
- 1 in 3 seniors in the United States dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
In 2016, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $236 billion
“If you don’t know anyone with Alzheimer’s disease right now, you will soon. With the Baby Boomers aging, the number of people living with the disease continues to increase and is expected to triple by 2050. It’s best to learn and understand what the early signs of Alzheimer’s are and where to receive help if and when it comes to that.” – Hadi Finerty, Senior Manager of Education and Outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.
Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
- Challenges in planning 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 and personality.
If you notice any of the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. With early detection, those affected can get the maximum benefit from available treatments and explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer.
