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Families encouraged to discuss memory and cognition concerns

June 12--For Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, families are encouraged to talk about memory and cognition concerns sooner.

Early diagnosis offers many benefits, the Alzheimer's Association says, including access to more effective medical and lifestyle interventions and the ability for the person with Alzheimer's to take an active role in planning with family members for the future.

"Approaching a family member or loved one about their forgetfulness, confusion or other signs associated with Alzheimer's or dementia can be difficult, but in order to help our loved one in the long-run, we have to get past our own fears and denial," said Sharon M. Rotenberry, Executive Director for the Alzheimer's Association. "The sooner a person receives a diagnosis, the sooner that person and their family can begin understanding the disease, obtaining support and planning for the best possible future."

New findings from an Alzheimer's Association survey found a majority of Americans would be concerned about offending a family member (76 percent), or ruining their relationship (69 percent), if they were to approach that person about observed signs of Alzheimer's.

More alarming, 38 percent said they would wait until a family member's Alzheimer's symptoms worsened before approaching them with concerns. Additionally, nearly one in three Americans (29 percent) would not say anything to a family member despite their concerns.

To help families overcome common communication obstacles, the Alzheimer's Association is offering the following tips:

l Have the conversation as early as possible.

l Think about who's best suited to have the conversation.

l Practice conversation starters.

l Offer support and companionship.

l Anticipate gaps in self-awareness.

l Recognize the conversation may not go as planned.

For more information, visit alz.org.

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