See the red flags to watch for, treatments that slow cognitive decline and ways to reduce your risk
More than 7 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Yet average wait times for a dementia diagnosis range from 12 months to nearly four years. Doctors say knowing the difference between ordinary forgetfulness and dementia—and acting early to seek treatment—can make all the difference. So we’ve rounded up the latest news on how to reduce your risk of memory loss, sneaky warnings signs of dementia and the treatment options that can make a real difference. Keep scrolling to find out what you might have missed.
Early signs of dementia, new treatments and prevention tips
If you or a loved one are concerned about memory loss, here’s everything you need to know:
Have you ever worried your memory blips might be signs of dementia?
Forgetfulness vs. dementia
Normal forgetfulness means misplacing keys or blanking on a name—littles things you notice and can work around. Dementia involves worsening problems like repeating the same question, storing items in wrong places or losing the ability to manage daily tasks independently, according to Joel Salinas, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer at Isaac Health. Learn the sneaky signs of dementia that signal it’s time to book an appointment with your doctor. [Full story]
Other health conditions can masquerade as dementia
Several treatable conditions can mimic signs of dementia, including a vitamin B12 deficiency, low thyroid levels, depression, sleep disorders, medication side effects and dehydration. A doctor’s visit can help determine the underlying cause of your memory issues and if they’re reversible.
Some dementia symptoms can be sneaky
Early signs of dementia that women should watch for include trouble retaining new information, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty finding words, persistent mood changes, problems with reasoning and even fluctuating LDL cholesterol levels, according to Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. By knowing what to look for, you’ll be better prepared to seek help when you need it. [Full story]
Wait times for a dementia specialist can be long
To speed up an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis, doctors recommend starting with a primary care physician, asking about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, requesting the newly FDA-approved blood test for Alzheimer’s and looking into clinical trials at nearby universities through ClinicalTrials.gov.
Early treatment matters
While there may not be a cure for dementia yet, there is hope. Getting treatment early can slow disease progression. In fact, anti-amyloid drugs can slow cognitive decline by 25 to 35 percent in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, and one study showed nearly 60 percent slowing in people with mild cognitive impairment, according to Harvard-trained neurologist Andrew E. Budson, MD. [Full story]
You can take steps to reduce your dementia risk
A Johns Hopkins study found just 35 minutes of moderate exercise per week was linked to a 41 percent lower dementia risk. At 140 minutes per week, that jumped up to a 69 percent reduction. A Mediterranean diet, social activity, puzzle-solving and treating hearing loss also lower dementia risk and naturally protect your memory. [Full story]
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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