When the doctor delivers the news that your family is facing life with Alzheimer’s disease, there is hope. After nearly three decades of existence, the Alzheimer’s Association has become a key place for caregivers, families and the community to turn to for information, advice, education and encouragement about what to expect, where to go, and how to care for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. It has been a pillar of strength for the community.

As Alzheimer’s numbers continue to rise, so too does the need for the support programs and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. 5.3 million Americans suffer with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder, and every 70 seconds someone develops AD. Now, there is even an increased diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s, which affects individuals under the age of 65.

The Delaware Valley Chapter serves 294,000 families affected by Alzheimer’s and related disorders, including more than 25,000 individuals in Camden County and more than 17,000 in Burlington County alone. One of the Association’s major resources, a 24-hour Helpline, gives those in the Delaware Valley and across the country access to the many programs and the wealth of information offered by Chapters throughout the
country. The Helpline is free to callers and available in over 200 languages.

Other programs and services to support caregivers and their families include support groups, community education; family and professional caregiver trainings; advocacy opportunities; the Medic Alert® + Safe Return® program to assist wanderers; multicultural outreach to educate ethnically diverse communities about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and care consultations to help people navigate through the difficult uncertainties and decisions people with Alzheimer’s and their families face at every stage of the illness.
Advocacy efforts in the South Jersey region center on becoming a voice for those who can no longer advocate for themselves. Such initiatives include informing federal, state and local elected officials about the Alzheimer’s Association’s priorities and insuring that legislation is enacted that will meet the needs of all those who are affected. 

The South Jersey Advocacy Committee interacts with state and federal legislators in an attempt to encourage them to introduce, sponsor and pass legislation related to the challenges residents face when confronting Alzheimer’s issues. The committee also promotes the need for research funding; helps to ensure physical, psychological and financial resources for caregivers; and increases public awareness. 

In addition to providing support for those living with Alzheimer’s, the Delaware Valley Chapter encourages caregivers and other family members to become educated about Alzheimer’s, and take advantage of the resources available throughout the region.

Remember, early detection matters! A change in mood and personality is just one of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. It may be difficult to know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of AD. As part of its education effort, the Alzheimer’s Association has updated its 10 Early Warning Signs. Do you know what they are?

Along with the advice of a doctor, these signs are critical to detecting Alzheimer’s and assuring that all is not lost in the process of adjusting to the life changes that are sure to come with the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The recent release of the 10 Warning Signs has sparked unimaginable attention and interest, even in the medical community.

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life:  One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.  What’s typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
   
   
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems:  Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.  What’s typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
   
   
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure:  People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.  What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
   
   
4. Confusion with time or place:  People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.   What’s typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
   
   
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships:  For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.  What’s typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.
   
   
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing:  People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).   What’s typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
   
   
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps:  A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What’s typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
   
   
8. Decreased or poor judgment:  People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
   What’s typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.
   
   
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities:  A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What’s typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.
   
   
10. Changes in mood and personality:  The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.  What’s typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
    

For more information on the multitude of programs and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, call the 24-hour toll-free HELPLINE at 800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/ desjsepa.