If you or a loved one is experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings and memory loss, such as forgetting names and dates, the idea of bringing these minor issues to a doctor’s attention may seem both unneeded and a little scary. Chances are, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for testing. What if the specialist says the dreaded A work? An Alzheimer’s diagnosis isn’t game over, in fact, it can be a blessing to have an early diagnosis.
While the news that you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s may be overwhelming and frightening, consider the following advantages to an early diagnosis. Often, focusing on the positive makes unwelcome news easier to handle for everyone involved.
- While there is no magic pill that can stop or reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, medications do exist that help treat the symptoms of the disease if caught early enough. Current treatments can help improve memory and calm anxiety, two of the most feared aspects of the disease.
- Unlike other diseases that dramatically alter a lifestyle without warning, an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s provides increased preparation time. This time allows you to make certain you are financially prepared, as well as emotionally prepared for the future.
- Because Alzheimer’s usually has a very slow progression, you have plenty of time to find the support you need to deal with the oncoming changes. Whether the diagnosis was for you, or someone you care about, support groups exist to help make the future seem a little less overwhelming.
