November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Continuing the conversation around mental health is vital to providing the best possible care to those who struggle with mental illness. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it and their loved ones. Some facts about Alzeheimer’s Disease:

• Alzeihmer’s is a progessive brain disorder, not a normal part of aging
• More than 6.2 Million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
• The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is projected to surpass 13.8 Million by 2060
• More than 11 Million American caregivers provide over 15.3 Billion hours of unpaid care

There are several emotional and social benefits in receiving an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis that may help lessen anxieties about why you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms. You and your family may also have the opportunity to maximize your time together and access resources and support programs. Early diagnosis can also assist in more time to plan for the future. An earlier diagnosis also allows you to be open with your family and support network about what you want during each stage of the disease. This can give you peace of mind and reduce the burden on family members and prevent disagreements.

If you believe a loved one may be experiencing early signs of Alzheimer, below are 10 signs to help identify if that is the case:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality