Alzheimer's disease is a prevalent diagnosis in my family.  My grandmother, on my mother's side, lived with alzheimer's disease. Both of her sisters did as well.  My mother is fearful of also "catching it".  So paranoid is my mother, she voluntarily spoke with her doctor and asked to undergo a battery of cognitive testing to prove her belief that she is in early stages of some type of dementia. Her doctor happily complied.

My mother has been a widow for almost 5 years.  She lives alone, remains active with the church, volunteers, sews, quilts and drives 300 miles each way to visit her grandchildren. Sure she repeats stories. So do I. She got turned around while driving once. As have I.  It is my opinion that she is far from having Alzheimer's disease.  To my mother though, her fears are real, valid and need to be addressed.

An article in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Discover Magazine served as a great reminder for me. Just because I interact daily with those dealing with definite symptoms of this degenerative disease, I should show more concern for those who want to receive assurance or validation from early detection measures.

The article, entitled Vital Signs, http://discovermagazine.com/columns/vital-signs is written by Dr. H. Lee Kagan and describes a couple in their 70's who  approach him individually, as their doctor of many years, to share their fear that the other may have memory loss.  The husband identified the wife with repetitive behavior and lack of retaining any new information. The wife identified her husband with shortness in temper and increased anger.  This new impatient behavior may be a result of dealing with the stress of living with someone possibly suffering with Alzheimer's disease. Both are aware there is a change in each other and both are fearful of the reason for the new behavior.

The article reinforces our knowledge that depression may often mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia.  There is a quick screening tool called the Mini Mental Screening Exam (MMSE) which can easily rule out memory loss for those who may have other issues affecting memory.

Fortunately for this couple, Dr. Kagaan listened to their concerns, did not dismiss them, (as I had with my mother) and did the quick 5 minute screening exam. He identified that one person, in fact, appeared to be in early stages of memory loss.  With further assessment, they may be placed on medication to treat symptoms and improve the chance of a longer quality of life.  This may not have happened had they not come to him for the early detection screening.

I now commend my mother.  As stated in the Discover article, it is rare that the patient themselves comes forward to ask to be diagnosed. Most often the person is in denial and looks for ways to hide their deficit. The family must remain aware and notice slight changes as indicators of something bigger. This year the Sycamore Village Memory Enrichment Center will commit itself even further to champion early detection. It is our mission to assist in identifying those who may truly be in beginning stages of dementia in order to encourage measures for a longer quality of life. Likewise, it is our mission to put at ease those who are fearful of memory loss when their issue may be something more treatable such as depression, medication mismanagement or poor nutrition. The MMSE screening may be scheduled with one of our health care professionals on any day just by contacting us to set up an appointment.

As for my mom, she was given a lengthy report of her cognitive testing results. Her doctor acknowledged her anxiety but found no indication of memory loss. His recommendation?  Purchase a GPS and continue to remain active. A prescription I was happy to fill.