How an Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Can Save Money and Mind

According to a 2018 report by the Alzheimer’s Association, the American population could save almost 8 trillion dollars in potential costs and gain many personal benefits through the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. New research advancements in the identification of biomarkers are expected to help these savings be realized, but there is a long way to go before they can be effectively applied to the population at large.

In diagnostic terms, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is commonly recognized as having three distinct stages:

     1) Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

     2) Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease

     3) Dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

Until recently, biomarkers were only useful for diagnosing Alzheimer’s in the dementia stage. Biomarkers include any physical material (proteins, microorganisms, chemicals, etc.) that can be detected through medical investigation methods, like fluid tests, x-rays, and other imaging tools.

Now, researchers have demonstrated that biomarkers are also available to indicate a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s at the MCI stage of development. However, the findings are relatively new and it will take some time before the methods can be verified and widely implemented.

Currently, the most accessible ways to check for cognitive signs of early dementia, like MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease, are to be regularly evaluated by a professional and to use self-assessment tools such as the BrainTest® app. Detecting early symptoms can have several benefits in terms of both personal and financial well-being.

Personal Benefits

The most important personal benefit of detecting early dementia symptoms may be that it allows us to seek a professional diagnosis. There are many causes of cognitive impairments, some of which qualify as MCI (non-Alzheimer’s versions), and having early signs evaluated will help to correctly identify the root problem.

     Medical Benefits

In addition to the obvious upsides associated with getting a correct diagnosis, the early detection of Alzheimer’s symptoms can provide multiple medical benefits. While no means of stopping or slowing the disease are available, there are treatments that can help preserve cognitive abilities during the MCI due to Alzheimer’s stage. Additionally, after being diagnosed, a person could be eligible to participate in clinical trials for evaluating new treatments that are not publically available.

     Psychosocial Benefits

There are both emotional and social gains that can be made from getting an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It can potentially ease a lot of stress for both the diagnosed and their loved ones, as they are likely to have been concerned by the cognitive changes that initially led to the identification of MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease. There is also more opportunity to spend time with people they care about and to attend regular social activities before the symptoms begin to interfere.

     Time for Planning

The earlier that Alzheimer’s symptoms are diagnosed, the more time will be available for the diagnosed person to take part in planning for their own care. While often difficult, end-of-life planning is also a necessary part of an Alzheimer’s care plan, and it can be invaluable to have a person’s own desires known to all involved before dementia symptoms take that opportunity away.

Financial Benefits

As noted in the opening paragraph, receiving a diagnosis as early as possible in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease can prevent a potentially huge amount of financial loss. Most of these expenses are directly related to healthcare, as the preservation of mental faculties during the MCI due to Alzheimer’s stage can significantly lessen the costs associated with long-term support.

An early diagnosis can also result in financial benefits on a personal level. Having the condition confirmed will prevent costs that could arise from seeking treatments for the wrong disease. People who are working when they are diagnosed can begin to make financial arrangements to support themselves as the disease progresses, instead of being blindsided with debilitating symptoms with no savings or planning in place.

Aiming for Earlier

There are many benefits of receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis as early as possible. Currently, we are only capable of detecting the disease after some symptoms have already developed. It will be necessary to find a means of identifying Alzheimer’s disease during the preclinical stage if we are to experience the full financial and personal benefits that are predicted by the Alzheimer’s Association’s report. In the meantime, we can gain the most by checking for symptoms regularly and as early as possible, which can be easily accomplished using a self-assessment tool like the BrainTest® app.

Steven Pace writes extensively in the fields of neuroscience, mental health, and spirituality. He is an experienced academic writer and researcher from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, having obtained his BSc. (Psychology Major) from Cape Breton University in 2010. Steven takes pride in being able to assist others in navigating topics concerning the human mind.

Comments (5)
    1. Steven Pace

      Hi Barbara, thanks for reaching out. I found a good resource for early onset Alzheimer’s (assuming that’s what you have) at the following link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/early-onset-alzheimers-disease-resource-list

      Other than that, I’d suggest voicing your concerns to your medical professional(s) if you have easy access to them. They might know of some local resources that could be worth checking out (support groups, maybe medical trials in the area).

      I hope this helps, all the best.

      -Steven

  1. David Beneli

    I’m 80 male and feel I forget often names and other words, I’m lucky I know 4 languages and it helps me while talking to say the word I forgot in a different language. I keep myself busy, read a lot, great fan of crosswords and go to lectures. I exercise regularly and play bridge from time to time. How could I improve my cognitive condition? Would you t,hint I’m at a stage I should seek help?

    1. Steven Pace

      Hi David, I’d suggest that you try our BrainTest app. It convenient, easy to use, and will give you quick access to a professional opinion of your cognitive state.

      If you don’t feel comfortable with that, then it would be in your best interest to make an appointment with a doctor to be evaluated. If you do have dementia in the early stages then getting diagnosed and starting treatment will make a world of difference in the long run.

      With that said, forgetting names and some words is common for someone your age and doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. Even the healthiest brains experience some degeneration over time. More troubling signs would be getting easily confused or lost in familiar places, forgetting who you are or where you live, and experiencing drastic personality changes. So, from what you’ve said, I wouldn’t be too worried about having a serious condition. However, I can’t underestimate how important it is to get a professional opinion, so please either try our app or make a doctor’s appointment just to be safe.

      Keep us updated and all the best to you!

      -Steven

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