Alzheimer’s disease: What it is and early signs

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurocognitive disorder. It is one of many different types of dementia and is described in the APA’s Diagnostic and Statical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Specific criteria are required for either a probable or possible diagnosis. A probable diagnosis includes family history of the disease, plus clear evidence of loss of memory, steadily progressive, gradual decline in cognition without extended plateaus, and no evidence of other contributing factors (e.g., infections or other mental disorders). A possible diagnosis is made if the above is present without family history.

The following link is to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website and lists 10 early warning signs and symptoms: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s should only be made by a physician. Other conditions, such as a urinary tract infecton, can mimic dementia if left untreated.

Published by
David L. McGuffey

Recent Posts

What happens if I don’t fund my Qualified Income Trust?

Qualified Income Trusts (also known as Miller Trusts or a QIT) are necessary when the…

2 months ago

Changes in How Trusts are Taxed

Trusts, like everyone else, pay taxes when they earn income or sell capital assets for…

2 months ago

What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?

People often visit us and ask about using a trust to protect assets in the…

3 months ago

QLACS Update

Last year we wrote about qualified longevity annuity contracts, sometimes referred to as QLACs. On…

3 months ago

Trusts and Medicaid: Protecting Assets

People regularly ask us whether they should use a trust to protect assets in case…

6 months ago

Elle

We haven't posted much lately because we've been busier than a one-armed paper-hanger, but we…

10 months ago