More than 80% of people do not know the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

A to look for from the American Alzheimer’s Association found that about 4 in 5 people are unaware of the term mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that affects up to 18% of people over the age of 60 and can be a sign early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the report, the condition is characterized by subtle changes in Memory and in the stream of thought, growing with the aging of the population and the increase in the number of elderly people.

“Mild cognitive impairment is often confused with ‘normal aging’, but it is not part of the typical aging process. Distinguishing between cognitive problems resulting from normal aging, those associated with MCI, and those related to MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease is key to helping individuals, their families, and physicians prepare for future treatment and care. American Alzheimer, Maria Carrillo, through the statement.

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MCI is considered an early stage of cognitive dysfunction, that is, when the loss of memory or ability is more subtle, causing forgetfulness, loss of attention, and senses of space until death. communication itself. Even the signs – however slight – can be enough to get them noticed by those close to them.

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According to the publication of the American Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that approximately one-third of people who are diagnosed with MCI as an initial symptom of Alzheimer’s disease progress to a state of dementia on average for up to five years.

To better understand people’s level of knowledge about the diagnosis, the organization commissioned a survey of more than 2,400 adults and 801 doctors primary care. As a result, over 80% of participants said they knew little or nothing about the diagnosis of Alzheimers. After being told about the disease, more than 40% said they feared developing the disease as a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Graphic representation of Alzheimer's disease
Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock

The symptoms were interpreted as “normal aging” by 55% of those questioned, which represents a confusion considered worrying by the association. Additionally, the survey showed that the vast majority of Americans (85%) prefer to find out about the disease at an early stage, while only 40% said they would see a doctor if they had it. symptoms of the CCL.

“Understanding and recognizing mild cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease is important because it provides an early opportunity to intervene in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, intervening earlier offers an opportunity to better manage the disease and potentially slow progression at a time when patients are functioning independently and maintaining good quality of life. life.”

Source: The globe

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