Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Alzheimer’s disease.

Holding a practice ball in his hand, the late Vince Lombardi, coach of the Green Bay Packers, began the first day of training camp with these words: “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Who doesn’t recognize a football? But it’s kind of like that with Alzheimer’s disease. We think we know what it looks like, but we aren’t certain we’ll recognize it if it shows its ugly head.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America defines Alzheimer’s disease as “a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes“.

Somehow, with all the medical terms, the definition of Alzheimer’s doesn’t sound as heinous as it really is. But those who care for loved ones are all too familiar with its fiendish ways. The results of what happens to a brain when it begins to degenerate are beyond imagination. Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, caregivers will tell you that even the word dementia doesn’t do it justice.

And, ladies and gentlemen, THIS is Alzheimer’s disease.

Its final form is crippling-demise, which may be the reason that many don’t recognize Alzheimer’s in the early stages. Alzheimer’s has one redeeming factor; it often unfolds slowly. Unfortunately, this can work against the undiagnosed, who tend to compare their cognitive abilities to those of persons who have been facing the disease for some time. A person’s mental ability in the early stages will be vastly superior to that in the waning stages of the disease.

Self diagnosis

Do not self-diagnose. It may sound funny, but this is precisely what many people tend to do. It is a form of denial. Here’s what often happens. Knowing someone who has dementia, you begin to compare yourself with their capabilities, and, surprise, you come out feeling pretty good about your cognitive abilities. After all, you can remember your name, where you live, and what you had for breakfast. This isn’t a real test.

No one wants to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but a misdiagnosis or going undiagnosed is worse. See a health professional for a complete physical and mental evaluation.

Diagnosis and Early Detection

Find a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Ask your primary physician to refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in treating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. You must see a specialist in the field, a primary doctor/general practitioner, internist, etc., who may not have extensive experience with the disease.

A neurologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can diagnose your situation regarding memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s. Early detection is very important and can assist the patient in keeping the disease at bay for a long time. Alzheimer’s disease isn’t curable, but there are steps that can slow its progression.