Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease, destroying memory and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. It can be devastating to the people living with Alzheimer’s as well as the family and friends devoted to them. In 1983, Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. There is an estimated 5.1 million Americans currently suffering from this terrible disease. The number is predicted to more than double by 2050 unless more effective ways are found to treat and prevent this disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is often confused with dementia. What’s the difference? Alzheimer’s is a disease; dementia is a group of symptoms that include loss of memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. However, dementia isn’t always caused by Alzheimer’s disease; it can result from other conditions, as well.

Although some memory changes may be age-related, memory problems that interfere with daily life are not. According to experts, common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias include:

• 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 suspect your loved one might have Alzheimer’s, you should visit a doctor soon. The sooner Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. While there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it is treatable. Prescription medicine may help slow down the progression of symptoms.

For additional information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alzheimers.gov which serves as a one-stop resource for families and caregivers and provides reliable, comprehensive information.