Many Alzheimer's Patients Not Told About Their Diagnosis

One in five Canadians suffers cognitive impairment over the age of 65. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the more prevalent conditions and the patients are often not told of this diagnosis.
Due to the nature of Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms don’t begin appearing until the mid- to late stages of progression. If the disease were diagnosed early enough and the patient informed of it, steps can be taken to slow the progression and help the patient and his family work through the disease. Yet according to a study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association only 45% of people with Alzheimer’s have been told of their diagnosis! This leaves 55% of those diagnosed not being told by their physician.
The study goes on to reveal the reasons doctor are not disclosing to their patients the diagnosis and they fall into three general categories; not wanting to cause emotional distress, lack of support services and not enough time to discuss treatment options. It is also mentioned that the stigma surrounding the Alzheimer’s diagnosis prevents patients from being told.
As the disease progresses patients are more likely to be told of their diagnosis creating a real dichotomy in care, because if they had been informed in the earlier stages, care and steps could have been taken to prepare and being told in later stages, the nature of the disease makes it more likely to be forgotten.
In the U.S. doctors are not required by law to disclose the diagnosis which raises the question of morality of informing someone of a fatal disease yet being told of other fatal diseases the numbers increase significantly to the 90 percentile so this is endemic to Alzheimer’s.
Taking the stigma out of Alzheimer’s is a primary goal to enhance treatment in Alzheimer’s disease and make the transitions easier for the patient and family. There should be no stigma around a fatal disease and support can be found with Alzheimer’s clinics like AGE Matters Clinic in Toronto.
At the AGE Matters Clinic, a leading Alzheimer’s Clinic in Toronto, we believe in working with the patient to provide the necessary tools to optimize life with Alzheimer’s.
AGE Matters Clinic realizes there is a lack of support services and is filling the gaping support hole. They specialize in the many phases of Alzheimer’s and the memory impairment that progress with the disease. Complete cognitive and memory assessment is performed and an individualized treatment plan put in place for the patient and family.

How Staying Tech Savvy Can Actually Help Boost Your Memory

Technology is all around us. From the monitor on the refrigerator to our digital alarm clocks, PVRs, computers, tablets, and of course, our smart phones. It seems that technological gadgets have taken over our day-to-day lives. For some, this is a great thing. For others, it can be difficult to keep up. However, there might be one advantage of staying tech savvy. It can help boost your memory. That's right. Taking advantage of gadgets and gizmos can actually improve your memory and slow down long-term memory loss. Does it sound too good to be true? It's not! Here are a few ways to improve your memory by making the most of technology.

Use Brain Boosting Apps On Your Tablet

There are so many uses for a tablet. You can get work done, entertain yourself, or stay connected with friends and family. Depending on how you use your tablet, you can also keep your memory sharp. There are a number of great apps to choose from. (You can also download them on your smart phone if you wish!) Things like puzzle games, memory trainers, brainteasers, math questions, quizzes and more can be found with just a few taps of the screen. Some of the most popular apps include the Luminosity Brain Trainer and My Personal Memory Trainer. Whether you have a few minutes in between appointments or are stuck on public transportation...you can make the most of it. Try downloading a few of these brain-boosting apps and get ready to stay sharp.

Read New Things - And Learn Skills Online

One of the great things about the Internet? There are so many things on there. That includes everything from social media to promotional websites. There is also a wealth of information online. That means you can opt to do more than just scroll through Facebook posts. That can actually help you learn something new. This is important! Research studies have proven that learning new things can keep your memory strong. It could be researching a historical event, finding out how to create your own website, watching a DIY video, or reading the newspaper online. Get creative, get out of your rut, and get ready to boost your memory!

Make To-Do Lists On Your Computer

Using technology can preserve your memory for longer, if used correctly. It can also help keep you organized and allow you to stay on top of things. It's easy. Try using programs on your computer to create a daily or weekly to-do list. This will help you keep track of everything you need to get done. From your grocery shopping to that meeting downtown. It will all be there in black and white. This is important because making note of things forces you to remember. Organizational tools can prevent forgetful situations.... and improve your memory in the process.
No one wants to deal with memory loss. So, stay connected! Using brain-boosting apps, learning new things online, and using tools to stay organized can help you function at your best day after day. Say so long to memory loss and hello to technology.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.