March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

UCLA Geriatrician: Recognizing Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease:

September is designated “World Alzheimer’s Month” and Sept. 21 is “World Alzheimer’s Day” to help bring awareness to an all-too-common and life-changing form of dementia.

Dementia is a general term used to describe cognitive deficits, and Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. Just as there are many types of cars, there also are many types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of the most common. Other common types include vascular dementia, which is caused by stroke, and mixed dementia, which is a combination of the two.

Alzheimer’s disease is marked by memory difficulties that affect daily life. There are varying degrees of severity. People with early, mild symptoms may go undiagnosed for years. Below are several common signs that are described in greater detail on the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org:

• Short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recently learned information like important dates and events. The individual may rely increasingly on reminder notes or ask his/her family to help with things previously done without assistance. As the disease progresses, there is long-term memory loss, such as forgetting names of loved ones or important past events.

• Difficulty performing complex, familiar tasks that involve planning and higher cognitive functions. It may take longer to finish certain tasks, such as balancing the checkbook and completing forms (e.g. income taxes), or they get done incorrectly. Nowadays, with online banking and automatic payments, it may take longer for an individual and his/her family to realize there is a problem. The individual may get lost driving to a familiar area. However, with the advent of computerized navigational aids, this symptom can go unnoticed for a while.

• Visuospatial difficulties that cause someone to become disoriented or lost in familiar environments.

• New problems with language. For instance, being unable to follow a conversation and/or frequently asking or repeating the same things.

• Worsening judgment. I have patients who have lost valuable assets to scams that they may not have fallen for at previous times in their lives.

• Changes in mood and personality and withdrawal from social activities. Untreated depression can cause “pseudodementia,” which mimics the real thing, so it is important to rule out or treat depression before dementia can be diagnosed.

If you or your loved one demonstrates any of the above signs or symptoms, please reach out to your doctor! Early diagnosis can help you and your family better plan for your future.

UCLA Health has launched an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program to help patients and their families deal with the complex medical, behavioral and social needs of these conditions. Services include visits with expert dementia care managers, personalized treatment plans, ongoing follow-up and access to other resources, including the “Beyond Alzheimer’s” support group. For more information, visit the program website at www.dementia.uclahealth.org.

Dr. Hong Phuc-Tran is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, visit uclahealth.org or call 310.319.4371.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...