What to watch for if Alzheimer’s Disease is suspected

CANFIELD

Every 67 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Of those, Alzheimer’s is the only one that can’t be cured, prevented or slowed, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

More than 5 million Americans live with the disease. Its causes are unknown, and it’s terminal.

The next victim could be your spouse, sibling, parent, friend, co-worker — or even you.

There are signs and symptoms to watch for that may signal a problem.

“Everybody is different,” said Pam Schuellerman, executive director of the Greater East Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Canfield. “When memory loss affects your daily life or a caregiver sees someone with that issue, they need to address it.”

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs for the disease. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place and new problems with words in either speaking or writing are among the signs.

Schuellerman said change in personality, lack of initiative and changes in behavior are warning signs, too.

“It’s so hard to hear that diagnosis because it’s scary,” she said.

It’s easy for those experiencing a problem to put their heads in the sand, Schuellerman said. But that’s the wrong approach, she aid.

“I applaud families that want to learn more,” the executive director said.

If someone is exhibiting signs that may signal Alzheimer’s, she urges them to seek a geriatric assessment, which will rule out other causes of the problem.

Schuellerman urges those with the disease to consult a neurologist, neuropsychologist or geriatrician.

The association also offers assistance and guidance.

“We have resources here and can direct people,” she said.

The phone number is 330-533-3300 with a 24-hour help line available. at 1-800-272-3900.