20 Dec ‘It’s the best time’: Family members may notice signs of Alzheimer’s at holiday gatherings
Posted at 20:23h in Uncategorized by Belinda Russell 0 Comments
ATLANTIS, Fla. — It’s the holiday season and while you celebrate with friends and family some experts say you may also notice some changes in elderly loved ones you haven’t seen for a while.
Dr. Linda Pao is the Co-Medical Director and Principal Investigator at JEM Research in Atlantis.
She advises that while you’re celebrating with loved ones this holiday season, keep an eye out for early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those you may not have seen for a while.
“It’s the best time if you haven’t seen a loved one or a friend that you could notice, ” Pao said. “They aren’t quite acting the same as they used to.”
Pao said there are some early signs to watch for.
“Of course, the first sign that’s most noticeable is if they’re repetitive. They’re repeating the same story, asking the same question, not remembering the answer,” Pao said. “Mainly language, orientation, and then visual-spatial orientation.”
David Jonethis is one of her patients here at JEM. He’s a participant in one of her clinical trials.
“Happy that I’m doing something positive for the growing group of people that are in the same situation,” David Jonethis said.
A clinical trial helps determine if a new treatment works and is safe.
David’s wife, Andrea, was glad to know doctors here at JEM were able to confirm he qualified to participate in a clinical trial, which will slow down the progression.
“I don’t think we’re there yet to prevent it or treat it, but this … slowing everything down,” Andrea Jonethis said. “We’re getting to enjoy the time that we have.”
The Alzheimer’s Association lists the difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes are:
Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
-Poor judgment and decision-making
-Inability to manage a budget
-Losing track of the date or the season
-Difficulty having a conversation
-Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Typical Age-Related Changes
-Making a bad decision once in a while
-Missing a monthly payment
-Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later
-Sometimes forgetting which word to use
-Losing things from time to time
If you notice any signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s contact your doctor.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-alzheimer-s-holiday-gathering-dementia/63240875