Planning Made Easier
Importance of Early Diagnosis for Alzheimer's Disease
There are a number of important reasons to get a correct and early diagnosis for dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
Early diagnosis will identify the causes of the signs and symptoms that you or your relative is displaying.
Early diagnosis Alzheimer's allows prompt treatment of reversible symptoms. This can often lead to improvement of cognitive symptoms such as memory problems.
Early diagnosis allows for the correct diagnosis of the dementia such as Alzheimer's.
Early diagnosis of dementia allows for psychiatric symptoms to be identified and treated. Disease is not just about the illness itself. The psychological and social effect of Alzheimer's disease need to be addressed if there are signs and symptoms of such things as depression, agitation or even psychosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent hospitalization and reduce impairment.
Early diagnosis of dementias such as Alzheimer's gives people more time to make critical life decisions. These include financial planning
Putting into place legal frameworks to protect themselves and their family i.e. power of attorney, living wills and advanced medical directives.
Plans for future care
Early diagnosis of dementia maximizes the safety of the person with Alzheimer's disease and their family. Diagnosis means that certain activities will need to be supervised, limited or stopped. This includes driving, the use of firearms for hunting and sport, the use of heavy machinery, caring for the young or infirm. Some people will have to give up their work more quickly than others, this will depend on the type of employment, their work roles and the flexibility and support networks provided in their work place.
Early diagnosis allows treatments for Alzheimer's disease that help slow its progression.
Early diagnosis gives the person with Alzheimer's and their family more time to arm themselves with knowledge about this type of dementia and the best way to live with the disease. Knowledge really is power.
Do not avoid seeking medical input and assistance for Alzheimer's disease
