The Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island (AARI) presented “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters” at the Cranston Public Library on Monday, Feb. 23.

An interactive program, “Know the 10 Signs” reviewed the major early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the AARI’s website, there are some staggering facts about the disease. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth-leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.

More than five million Americans are living with the disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. One in every three seniors who dies in a given year has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers provided more than 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $220.2 billion. Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease – 3.2 million – are women.

Science and research have shown that there are proteins in the brain that start to destroy nerves, and that is part of what brings on Alzheimer’s.

The 10 warning signs of the disease are 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; and changes in mood or personality.

The presentation was run by Michael Porter of North Providence. He and his wife, Donna, are currently on their third caregiving mission for a relative with Alzheimer’s. Currently, they have taken in Michael’s sister. In 2010, she lost her six-figure job for being disorganized and unable to meet deadlines. They have also cared for Donna’s mother for 2-1/2 years. Six of eight of Donna’s aunts have passed from Alzheimer’s.

Porter’s presentation focused on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

“Many people go undiagnosed for years. That is lost time,” he said.

The PowerPoint presentation included slides of the 10 signs of possible dementia, as well as clips of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. One clip showed a woman, “Mary,” talking about commonality of the diagnosis.

“Soon, the next wave of people diagnosed will not be the only ones they know with the disease. We need to diminish the stigma associated with dementia. We don’t blame or turn away from people who have a cancer diagnosis, like we do with Alzheimer’s,” she said.

The single biggest risk factor in a diagnosis is age. There are changes to lifestyle that may decrease the possible onset of Alzheimer’s, including exercise, diet and mental challenges.

The gene APOE-e4 is linked to greater risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s. Having this gene will increase one’s chance of developing the disease, but is not necessarily a predictor.

There are other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia, which is brought about by too much anesthesia after multiple surgeries. Frontotemporal dementia is based on mood, not memory. Mixed dementia is a diagnosis of those two forms. Lewy body dementia’s symptoms are hallucinations, shuffling and sleep disorders.

The important factor is to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

“One issue that is overwhelming to an [Alzheimer’s] patient’s senses are the mirrors in a car. They get confused with looking behind and at the sides. An [Alzheimer’s] patient has tunnel vision, no peripheral at all,” Porter said.

It is important to keep the brain stimulated. The diseases advance easier with a dormant mind.

Keeping an Alzheimer’s patient on routine is mandatory.

“With all the snow days we’ve had, the change in my sister’s routine has made for days of hell,” Porter said.

Porter also pointed out that there are Alzheimer’s symptoms that present during other illnesses and can be corrected with a diagnosis or change in medication. Depression or thyroid can cause memory issues, and if treated correctly will eliminate the symptoms.

Alzheimer’s patients will have a better quality of life with the proper medications, and they can help direct their own plans for treatment and long term care if they act early enough. They can put their own legal, financial and health care plans into place.

“This is ensuring the family won’t be forced to make decisions in a crisis situation,” Porter said.

For more information, visit www.alz.org/ri.