Many people find it hard to take the first steps toward diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. It is important to know that while there is no current cure for Alzheimer’s, life will not stop with the diagnosis. There are treatments and services that can make life better for everyone living with Alzheimer’s.

Timely diagnosis will provide:

• A helpful framework for understanding symptoms. Knowledge is power. Knowing that memory loss, confusion, difficulty with speaking
  and writing, and other symptoms are due to a
  brain disorder can aid in accepting these experiences when they happen and make them seem less mysterious and frightening. You can’t
  find the resources you need until you know what the problem is.

• An opportunity to build the right medical team. Your health professionals will be a key resource in your life with Alzheimer’s. Early diagnosis will enable you to participate in choosing a medical team that is a good fit for you, with the right skills to treat your Alzheimer’s disease as well as any other health conditions you may have.

• Access to existing medications. Several drugs are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically to treat Alzheimer symptoms.

• An opportunity to participate in studies of experimental drugs or other treatments. More than 200 clinical studies are currently testing next-generation drugs, new approaches to care and support, and better strategies for diagnosis. Many of these studies seek to enroll participants in the earliest stages of the disease. If you are interested in getting involved in research, early diagnosis will maximize your chances of finding a study that might be right for you.

• Access to programs and services. Your local Alzheimer’s Association, medical centers, area agencies on aging and other community organizations offer a wealth of information, care and support services for everyone living with Alzheimer’s.

• Enhanced safety and security. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can affect a person’s ability to remember to take medications on schedule; to use household appliances; to drive a car or use public transportation; and numerous other day-to-day skills. Individuals may also become more vulnerable to telemarketers or financial scams. A diagnosis alerts those living with Alzheimer’s to watch for signs that additional coping strategies or assistance are needed to ensure safety.

• An opportunity to plan for the future. medical, financial and legal needs will change. At some point you may need to make different living arrangements. Early diagnosis enables you to think about your preferences on these important issues and communicate your wishes to family and friends, your medical team and your legal advisors.