Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most feared diseases of old age. A diagnosis is often met with shock and feelings of disbelief, anger, fear, hopelessness, and grief. Those experiences extend to close family members as well. A diagnosis does not mean an end of life as you know it. An early diagnosis can provide families time to plan for living the best quality of life, seek therapies and explore care options.
For many people experiencing mild cognitive impairment, receiving an early Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis may be beneficial as it provides an explanation for the symptoms and signs they are experiencing and puts an end to their suspicions. Just knowing what’s happening to them can help people take control of their condition, live independently in their own home for longer, and maintain a good quality of life for themselves, their family, and caregivers. An early diagnosis means that individuals can make their wishes known to family members. They can plan ahead while they still have the capacity and participate in their own legal, financial, and care options, treatments and therapies.
