Today, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 400,000 here in Texas. Only half of those with the disease ever receive a diagnosis, delaying needed care and potentially putting these individuals at risk.
Close family members, who know their loved ones best, are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems, but they are often hesitant to say something – even when they know something is wrong. A recent Alzheimer’s Association/Ad Council omnibus survey found:
• Fewer than half of Americans surveyed (44%) say they would talk to a loved one right away about seeing a doctor if they noticed signs of cognitive decline.
• Instead, those polled say they are more likely to check in with other relatives (56%) and do research online (50%) when observing troubling signs.
To help individuals become more confident and prepared to discuss their concerns with their loved ones, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering the 10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns in Others: 1. What changes in memory, thinking or behavior do you see? What is the person doing - or not doing - that’s out of the ordinary and causing concern?
2. What else is going on? Various conditions can cause changes in memory, thinking and behavior. What other stressors or health issues may be causing the changes?
3. Learn about the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and the benefits of an early diagnosis.
4. Has anyone noticed any changes? Reach out to family members and friends to see if they have noticed anything concerning.
5. Who should have the conversation to discuss concerns? It could be you, a trusted family member or friend, or a combination. It’s usually best to speak one-on-one so that the person doesn’t feel threatened by a group, but use your best judgment to determine what will likely be most comfortable for the individual.
6. What is the best time and place to have the conversation? Have the conversation as soon as possible. In addition to choosing a date and time, consider where the person will feel most comfortable.
7. What will you or the person having the conversation say? Try the following: I’ve noticed [a change] in you, and I’m concerned. Have you noticed it? Are you worried? How have you been feeling lately? You haven’t seemed like yourself. I noticed you [specific example] and it worried me. Has anything else like that happened?
8. Offer to go with the person to the doctor. Ask the person if he or she will see a doctor and show your support by offering to go to the appointment.
9. If needed, have multiple conversations.
10. Reach out for help. Turn to the Alzheimer’s Association for information and support.
“While discussing cognitive concerns with a family member can be challenging, it’s really important,” said Andrea Taurins, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter. “Having these conversations and seeing a doctor can help facilitate early detection and diagnosis, offering individuals and families important benefits including access to treatment and clinical trials. Some forms of cognitive decline are treatable so it’s important to get a medical evaluation.
To learn more about how to facilitate these difficult conversations, visit the “Hopeful Together” campaign website (alz. org/TimeToTalk). The website offers tools and resources to help families recognize early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, tips for facilitating conversations about cognition, benefits of early detection and diagnosis, a discussion guide for use with doctors and health providers, and other disease-related information. The Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline is available at 800.272.3900.