Why find out?

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be similar to symptoms of other conditions such as

• Depression
• Thyroid or heart disease
• Infections
• Drug interactions
• Alcohol abuse.

It’s important when you notice the 10 warning signs for yourself or for someone you care about to contact your doctor immediately. Remember that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are not part of “old age” and it is important not to wait until the symptoms get worse.

Finding out the cause of the symptoms can help you to

• Understand the source of the symptoms
• Get the proper care, treatment and support
• Plan for the future and make important medical, financial and legal decisions.

When asked about the benefits of early diagnosis in the survey:

• 78% said it would help with putting legal and financial matters in order.
• 69% said it would help keep the person with dementia at home longer, and allow the person to
  be more active in key decision-making.
• 62% said it would improve their ability to cope with the disease.