Pebble Beach, CA Early Alzheimer’s Disease Is More Common Than One Might Think

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


A new report from The Alzheimer’s Association found that 12-18% of adults 60 and older have “mild cognitive impairment†while more than 1 in 10 older adults have early stage memory or cognitive problems.  Many doctors and patients “think that it might be normal aging, and that’s something that needs to be addressed,†Maria Carillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, told USA Today.   “They can be diagnosed, and a delay of a diagnosis can be harmful,†she said.  Sadly, a survey of 801 primary care doctors found that 72% had difficulty differentiating normal aging from cognitive impairment.  And 60% of doctors were unfamiliar with using tests such as spinal taps or brain scans that measure disease markers such as amyloid or tau.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Can Devastate The Whole Family

A doctor and patient looking at a book


The Alzheimer’s Association has been running a number of interesting stories in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month.  A recent story featured a 56-year-old woman named Ricci Sanchez who was chief operating office of a large hospital when she realized she was coming down with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was relying on sticky notes just to get through the day.  She was referred to the Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center where she enrolled in the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LEADS) study.  Her husband of 36 years, Andy, is now his caregiver—he previously was a caregiver for both of his parents.  His father, who passed away in 2017, had dementia, while his mother, who passed away in 2020, had Parkinson’s disease. What a sad way to end what are supposed to be your golden years.

 

https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/november-2021-(2)/my-care-partner-my-life-partner-navigating-alzheim?WT.mc_id=enews2021_12_08&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-12-08&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story1

Pebble Beach, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.