Alzheimer’s Awareness With Early Screening
Donna Nichols • November 8, 2021
Why should you get checked for Alzheimer’s disease?
As I state in all my blog posts, early detection is the key !!
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but if detected early you can control it with medication and proper living.
This will also give you the time you need to decide if a memory care community would be best for you or your loved one.
How do you know if you should get checked?
If you notice any of the signs below, please see your doctor immediately.
Signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
The signs above may not even be Alzheimer’s, but if they are an early diagnosis allows you the following benefits…
Benefits of an early diagnosis:
- Access to treatment options earlier; this may help lessen the intensity of the disease on your brain. The medications for Alzheimer’s are effective at slowing the progression of the disease so an early diagnosis may help in keeping your current cognitive functioning.
- You will have the option to participate in clinical trials which may provide more medical benefits. Many of these trials are open to those with early stages of Alzheimer’s thus allowing you to participate and perhaps making it easier for you to benefit from the trial medications.
- You will be able to record the memories you have so when the disease progresses you can look back at the things that were of importance to you. Take pictures and create a photo book, write a journal, or make a video, however you choose to record the memories will serve as a cherished keepsake.
- You will have the chance to improve your health now. You can make healthier changes to the way you live your life; quit smoking, exercise, control your blood pressure and get out there and be active physically and mentally. All of those can help to improve your cognitive functioning.
- An early diagnosis gives the caregiver time to prepare for what is coming; it will give them the opportunity to understand what is going to happen and learn how best to support the person with Alzheimer’s.
- You will have the opportunity to plan for the future concerning your health care. You can designate your health care surrogate and power of attorney while you’re still of sound mind. You are able to make your financial decisions during this time as well.
- This is the time to become informed about what to expect as your disease progresses. Visit support groups with your caregiver to become educated on what your caregiver will be dealing with to help prepare them as well as yourself.
As you can see, there are many reasons for early screening for Alzheimer’s disease. This is a very debilitating disease and can wreak havoc on a family that is not educated. Assisted Living Made Simple holds three Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups a month; don’t try to do this alone!
Should you feel the time has come for a memory care community, we can help with that also. Please call us first! Our service is free! We care about YOU and YOUR loved one and are here to help! 386-847-2322
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May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.
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April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.