Alzheimer’s on the Rise: The Importance of Early Detection

If it seems like you are hearing about more people being diagnosed with dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association reported that in 2023, California had the highest incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the country, with 12% of the population over 65 having been diagnosed. Age is the greatest risk factor for developing AD and with a population that is aging, the incidence is rising as people are living longer. The disease is now the fifth leading cause of death in California, having increased by 282.7 percent from 2000 to 2021 at a rate much higher than other leading causes of death.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time. There are actually over 100 forms of dementia, with the most well-known form of dementia being Alzheimer’s Disease. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

Research suggests that the brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s start at least 10 years before memory and thinking problems appear. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner interventions such as medications and lifestyle modifications can be made to help slow the progression of the disease. If you or a loved exhibit any of these symptoms as a pattern over a period of time, consult your physician for an evaluation.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Memory loss that disrupts daily life. A typical age-related memory change is occasionally forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. A common sign of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information.

Changes in mood and personality. Increased incidences of confusion, suspicion, depression, fear or anxiety can be a sign. Individuals can become more easily upset at home, work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Putting things in unusual places and being unable to find them is a sign of memory loss. Sometimes, people may accuse others of stealing – a behavior that increases in frequency over time.

Challenges in planning or solving problems. Making occasional errors, such as checkbook balancing, is not uncommon. If a person experiences changes in the ability to follow a plan or work with numbers, or has difficulty concentrating and completing a task, that may be a concern.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. They may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a familiar game.

Confusion with time or place. Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time is another indication. Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s can forget where they are or how they got there.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some, vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.

New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (such as calling a “watch” a “hand clock”).

Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may use poor judgment when dealing with money. They may also pay less attention to grooming and personal cleanliness.
Withdrawal from work or social activities. Some individuals avoid being social because of changes they’re experiencing, withdrawing from work projects, hobbies and sports.

Reduce Your Risk

Some risk factors, such as age, cannot be controlled when it comes to developing dementia, and there are currently no proven ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. But there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk. They include:

• Control high blood pressure.
• Manage blood sugar.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Keep physically active.
• Stay mentally active.
• Stay connected with family and friends.
• Treat hearing problems.
• Take care of your mental and physical health.
• Sleep well.
• Drink less alcohol.
• Stop tobacco use.

While there is no cure for AD, there are drug and non-drug options that may change disease progression and help treat symptoms. Understanding the options available can help individuals living with the disease and their caregivers to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life.

For more information, visit The Alzheimer’s Association. Or call your doctor if you are concerned for yourself or a loved one.