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Early Diagnois

The Role of Clinical Trials

There is a great need for people to participate in clinical trials, notes the Alzheimer’s Association. The group says this is the only way to further advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. There are a few types of clinical research, including: treatment trials, diagnostic studies, prevention trials, screening studies and quality of life studies.

The biggest challenge for all trials and studies today is finding people willing to participate. The funding is available, and a cure will not be without more research and treatment development.

While researchers continue to piece together how and when brain damage begins, the five million people in this country diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will continue to hope for the cure. Their caregivers wish for the same. Noticing symptoms early on is still the first line of defense in Alzheimer’s management. When it seems like normal forgetfulness has escalated, it’s time to take that next step, for your loved one and yourself, and seek a diagnosis as soon as possible.

EARLY SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S

• 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 or personality

 Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs

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