Alzheimer's and Early Detection

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, so I wanted to take the time to spotlight this important issue that impacts so many. For me, it's one that recently hit home, as my aunt was diagnosed with the disease. I’m thankful our relatives in Houston are nearby to be with her.

Alzheimer's is a disease that destroys brain cells, damaging memory and the thought process, eventually leading to behavioral changes and death. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over five million Americans live with the disease. It primarily affects those in the 65+ age bracket, but an estimated 500,000 under age 50 have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Currently, there is no cure, and if trends continue, 10 million baby boomers are expected to contract Alzheimer's.

But there is good news. As awareness and research for treatment and prevention increases, we're beginning to understand how to care for those affected. Early diagnosis can be one of the most effective means of helping patients live with Alzheimer's. By detecting warning signs sooner, they and their families can better prepare for the future.

Tuesday is Memory Screening Day—an annual event where health care professionals offer local and confidential memory screenings to the public.

"By offering the screenings for free and in convenient locations, our hope is that more people will act on any concerns they might have or check out their brain health in general," said Eric J. Hall, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. "It's a way to start the conversation."

While a memory screening isn't an actual diagnosis for Alzheimer's, it can be a method of spotting onset, helping patients determine if they need further testing.

For those of us with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's, determining how to care for them can be an enormous challenge. Eric offered some great advice that applies to all caregivers—both professionals and family members.

"Caregivers should view a loved one as someone 'living with' the disease, and, from that vantage point, take steps to try to improve quality of life," he said. "Don't let the disease impair a person more than necessary."

He suggested having them continue to help with daily tasks as much as possible. Maybe they can't operate the stove or drive anymore, but they could still pitch in around the home on other levels. But those who have Alzheimer's aren't the only ones who need a little extra help—often, their caregivers do, too.

"Caregivers must be informed and must be willing to reach out for help—to take advantage of training and support services that are available," he says. That includes support services for themselves. Taking care of themselves helps them take care of their loved ones."

Dr. Peter Reed, Senior Director of Programs with the Alzheimer's Association agrees.

"Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease poses special challenges and increasing levels of care that can be taxing on a caregiver's health," he said. "Our new Caregiver's Stress Check will help caregivers maintain their own health, which is crucial"

There's a wealth of terrific online resources and local support for patients, family members, and caregivers to access. No one is alone in this battle. For more information, visit the National Memory Screening Day website, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

There have been great advances in treatment of Alzheimer's over the past 15 years. In fact, we've learned more about combating the disease during this span than in all the years since its discovery. With continued support and research, Alzheimer's can be beaten. I hope you'll take the time this month to educate yourself about the disease and help family and friends who are at risk to get screened.

Care.com is a proud supporter of the Alzheimer's Association and its fight for a cure.