People can develop Alzheimer’s before age 65.
Do you have a family member who is experiencing memory loss?
Do you have a nagging feeling it could be the start of Alzheimer’s disease?
It could be.
According to a recent article in the Concord Monitor titled “Stolen Memories: Problems with diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis may take time.
Why?
Tests for Alzheimer’s are not simple.
You cannot merely take a blood sample and have a conclusive result.
In fact, a combination of tests is required.
These are often costly and take time.
They involve reviewing family history, MRIs, CAT and PET scans, and neuropsychological exams.
About 30 percent of individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s said it took one-to-six years to receive a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, roughly half of individuals with Alzheimer’s are never diagnosed.
This is frustrating for the patients and their family members.
As if the impact on relationships were not bad enough, the memory loss and symptoms can cause those suffering memory loss to lose their jobs.
Without a diagnosis these individuals will lose disability benefits from their employers.
This can cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Yikes!
If your family member is displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s, do not wait.
Begin seeking a diagnosis without delay.
Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.
Reference: Concord Monitor (April 8, 2018) “Stolen Memories: Problems with diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s”
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