Alzheimer's warning signs publicized by group

• Concerns people have for themselves or a family member's risk for the disease and information on research, prevention and treatments for the disease has really been brought to the forefront of the public's attention," explains James Wessler, president of the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter.
• To help the public recognize the difference between normal forgetfulness and the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association has developed a checklist of common symptoms.
• If you recognize these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, the Alzheimer's Association recommends consulting a physician and making an appointment at a memory diagnostic clinic.
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is vital to receiving appropriate treatment and care.
• For information on diagnosing Alzheimer's disease or on treatments, prevention, and support available to patients and caregivers, call the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter's 24hr Helpline at 1-800-548-2111 or visit www.alzmass.org.
• While it's normal to forget appointments or names, those with a dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later.
• No one has perfect judgment but those with Alzheimer's may dress without regard to the weather, or show poor judgment about money, giving away large amounts of money to telemarketers.
• Balancing a checkbook may be hard but someone with Alzheimer's disease could forget completely what the numbers represent.
• Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or key.
• Someone with Alzheimer's disease can show rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.
• The Alzheimer's Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families while working to find a cure.
• The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer's research in the world and is the largest support organization assisting families and patients in the United States.