Alzheimer Disease and Dementias: Early Detection and Care Planning _ ______________________________
AGE-RELATED VERSUS POTENTIAL ADRD DIFFERENTIALS
Normal Age-Related Memory Issues Occasionally making a bad decision Misplacing or losing things occasionally Accidentally missing a bill payment
Potential ADRD
Making poor judgements and decisions occurs frequently Frequently losing items and being unable to locate them Getting the electricity or water shut off for lack of payment over a period of time Difficulties following or participating in a conversation Having an inability to track time; being unable to discern day or week or season
Occasionally lacking the ability to grasp a specific word
Momentarily forgetting the day of the week
Source: [14]
Table 2
Fit into middle stage: This stage involves more severe cogni- tive decline and increased dependency on caregivers for daily activities. Late Stage (Stages 6–7) Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline (Moderately Severe or Mid-Stage Alzheimer) Description: Memory continues to worsen, and personality changes may occur. Individuals may lose awareness of their surroundings and recent experiences. They often need exten- sive help with daily activities and may experience changes in sleep patterns, increased wandering, and difficulty recognizing loved ones. Fit into late stage: This stage marks a significant decline in cognitive and functional abilities, requiring substantial care- giving support. Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Severe or Late- Stage Alzheimer) Description: Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and eventually control movement. They may need help with all daily activities, includ- ing eating and using the bathroom. Reflexes become abnormal, and muscles grow rigid. Swallowing can become impaired. Fit into late stage: This final stage of Alzheimer disease involves profound cognitive and physical decline, with individuals requiring around-the-clock care. EARLY WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer disease often manifest subtly and can be easily mistaken for normal aging ( Table 2 ). One of the most common early signs is memory loss, particularly difficulty remembering recently learned information or important dates and events [2]. Individuals may also experience challenges in planning or solving prob- lems, such as difficulty following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills. Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time, is another
early indicator. Additionally, people with early Alzheimer disease may have trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, leading to difficulties with reading, driv- ing, judging distance, and determining color or contrast [12]. Other symptoms include 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, and changes in mood and personality, such as increased confusion, suspicion, depression, or anxiety [10]. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention, which can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. ADRDs can also present with symptoms like those of medical conditions that are potentially reversible. Recognizing these conditions is crucial, as addressing them can significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life. Table 3 iden- tifies some common conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms. Addressing these conditions through appropriate medical intervention can lead to significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms that mimic dementia, highlighting the importance of thorough medical evaluation in individuals presenting with cognitive decline. IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS Early detection of Alzheimer disease and other dementias offers significant benefits for patients and their families. It can improve quality of life by allowing access to treatments that slow symptom progression, helping individuals maintain independence longer [7]. Early diagnosis also enables better symptom management through personalized care plans that address cognitive, behavioral, and physical health needs [12]. Additionally, early detection allows for future planning, help- ing patients and families make informed decisions about legal, financial, and care arrangements, reducing stress and ensur- ing the patient’s wishes are respected [10]. It also provides opportunities for participation in clinical trials and research, contributing to advancements in treatment.
6
MDRI2026
Powered by FlippingBook