New Alzheimer’s Campaign Encourages Families to Discuss Cognitive Problems Sooner, Enabling Early Diagnosis

CHICAGO, June 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — It’s a conversation no family wants to have – talking to a loved one about memory loss or cognitive decline. Close family members are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems, but they are often hesitant to say something – even when they know something is wrong. A new survey released today by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that nearly 9 in 10 Americans say they would want others to tell them if they were showing signs of memory loss, thinking problems or other symptoms of cognitive decline. However, nearly 3 in 4 Americans say that talking to a close family member about memory loss, thinking problems, or other signs of cognitive problems would be challenging for them. Cynthia, a retired nurse, first started noticing changes in her inability to complete daily household tasks and remembering everyday information, including finding herself at a stop sign while driving with no recollection of how she got there. Julie, a once voracious reader, found herself unable to finish a book, having to go back and reread pages because she couldn’t remember what she had just read. Theresa, a retired social worker and community volunteer, was urged to see a doctor when her daughter Shon noticed her mother was no longer keeping her house organized and tidy. Mario, a painter for over 30 years, noticed he was having problems completing typical tasks at work, forgetting directions and painting the wrong areas. Mario, a painter for over 30 years, noticed he was having problems completing typical tasks at work, forgetting directions and painting the wrong areas. Tom, a former college professor, began to experience challenges preparing and delivering coursework to his students and began to see his student evaluations suffer. He is pictured with his husband […]

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