November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: What You Should Know

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. This complex neurological disease affects millions worldwide. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing its symptoms, and exploring current treatment options can empower families to seek early intervention and support. The Medical Group of New Jersey specializes in neurology and provides comprehensive care for patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It leads to a decline in memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform simple tasks.

While Alzheimer’s is typically associated with aging, it’s not a normal part of the aging process.

Instead, it’s characterized by abnormal brain changes which disrupt communication between brain cells and ultimately cause cell death.

The disease progresses in stages. Early signs may be subtle, but as it advances, symptoms become more severe, interfering with daily activities and ultimately requiring full-time care. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging. Common early signs include:

• Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most noticeable signs, along with difficulty remembering dates or events.
• Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems: People may struggle with tasks that require concentration, like following recipes or managing bills.
• Confusion with Time or Place: Individuals may lose track of dates, seasons, or even their current location.
• Difficulty with Words: Those affected may struggle to follow or join conversations, often forgetting words or repeating themselves.
• Decreased Judgment: Decision-making skills often deteriorate, making individuals vulnerable to scams or poor financial decisions.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, symptoms become more pronounced, affecting mood, personality, and overall ability to function.

Is There a Cure?

Wile  there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are many different treatment options that can slow its progression and help manage symptoms. Researchers are actively studying Alzheimer’s, exploring treatments that target the underlying brain changes in hopes of finding more effective therapies.

The Medical Group of New Jersey Specializes in Neurology

The Medical Group of New Jersey offers specialized neurology services, supporting those with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.

This National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, take time to learn more about this challenging disease. Early recognition and intervention can make a meaningful difference for those affected. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, reach out to the neurology specialists at The Medical Group of New Jersey.