Early Screening for Alzheimer's - Family Questionnaire

In about 3 out of 4 cases, Alzheimer’s starts with the inability to remember recent events and learn and retain new information. Early-stage patients experience memory problems that interfere with daily living and steadily worsen.
In your opinion the patient does have problems with any of the following?
1. Repeating or asking the same things which he/she has just told ten minutes ago?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
2. Remembering appointments, family occasions, holidays?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
3. Struggling to remember what you trying to talk in the middle of talking?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
4. Misplacing items often in odd places and losing the ability to retrace steps?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
5. Writing checks, paying bills, balancing the checkbook?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
6. Withdrawing from work or social activities?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
7. Taking medications independently according to instructions?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
8. Becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family member?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0
9. Forgetting people or getting lost while walking or driving in familiar places?
Not at all
0
Sometimes
1
Frequently
2
Does not apply
0

0 Score Interpretation

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Scores <= 3 suggest minimal dementia which may not require treatment. Many people experience mild forgetfulness or memory delays, which are part of the normal aging process.

    The Purpose of Early Screening for Alzheimer's

    If you suspect that you or a loved one has a memory problem, you want to seek advice and a thorough evaluation by a physician with extensive knowledge, experience, and interest in dementia and memory problems. It’s important to get early medical attention if you can. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, a doctor may prescribe certain medications to help slow the progression or alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease. This treatment is most effective in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so early screening and diagnosis are important.

    Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

    Alzheimer’s disease usually progresses gradually, lasting two to 20 years, with an average of seven years in the United States. Once symptoms do appear, they increase in severity as a person with Alzheimer’s moves from the earliest to the final stages of the disease.

    Stages Symptoms
    Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Individuals with MCI have memory problems but are able to perform routine activities. MCI often leads to Alzheimer’s, but not all patients with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.
    • Memory problems noticed by others
    • Mood conditions such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or apathy
    • Poor performance on cognitive tests
    Mild         (Stage 1)
    • Be slow in their speech and understanding
    • Experience minor memory loss and mood swings
    • Have difficulty learning new things
    • Lose energy and spontaneity, although others may not notice
    • Lose their train of thought mid-sentence
    • Still perform basic activities but need assistance with more complicated tasks
    Moderate (Stage 2)
    • Although individuals with Alzheimer’s can recall the distant past, recent events are difficult for them to remember
    • They have difficulty comprehending day, time, and location.
    • They may invent new words as they lose old ones
    • They may not recognize formerly familiar faces
    Severe (Stage 3)
    • Are unable to chew and swallow
    • Become bedridden and vulnerable to pneumonia and other illnesses
    • Become more and more unresponsive
    • Lose bodily control and need constant care
    • Recognize no one

    Other Possible Causes of Memory Loss:

    Here are some of the more common things that can cause memory loss:

    • Another progressive condition like Parkinson’s disease
    • Medications: A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with or cause loss of memory. Possible culprits include: antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and pain medications given after surgery.
    • Head injury: A severe hit to the head - from a fall or automobile accident, for example - can injure the brain and cause both short- and long-term memory loss. Memory may gradually improve over time.
    • Infections: Such as HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis that affect the brain.
    • Sleep deprivation: Both quantity and quality of sleep are important to memory. Getting too little sleep or waking frequently in the night can lead to fatigue, which interferes with the ability to consolidate and retrieve information.
    • Nutritional deficiency or metabolic disorders: Good nutrition - including high-quality proteins and fats - is important to proper brain function. Deficiencies in vitamin B1 and B12 specifically can affect memory.

    Consult with Specialists

    Experts estimate a skilled physician can diagnose Alzheimer's disease with more than 90 percent accuracy. Your doctor may refer you to a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias such as a:

    • Neurologist, who specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system.
    • Psychiatrist, who specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works.
    • Psychologist, who has special training in testing memory and other mental functions.
    • Geriatrician, who specializes in the care of older adults and Alzheimer's disease.