SIMPLE HOME TESTS CAN HELP SPOT EARLY ALZHEIMER'S WARNING SIGNS

Many older Americans wonder: "How can I tell if my loved one may be getting Alzheimer's?" Early warning signs of this disease can be detected with simple home screening tests.

With Alzheimer's Disease affecting an estimated 8% to 12% of people over 65, many older Americans worry that this debilitating condition could also affect their own loved ones. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is usually diagnosed only after the progress of the disease is well underway, and symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment are painfully obvious to family members. Few know how to look for the early warning signs (or "markers") that predict potential Alzheimer's Disease -- signs which can often be detected months or years before clinical symptoms appear.

According to the new manual, "How to Know if Your Loved One May Have Alzheimer's: A Home Testing Guide", five of these early "markers" can be spotted through simple home screening tests. They are:

1) Loss of the sense of smell: A person's ability to discern common odors, such as flowers, chocolate or perfume, may greatly diminish up to two years before memory problems are apparent.

2) Hearing loss: This usually occurs without the individual being aware of it. Signs to watch for include turning up the TV to loud, avoiding use of the phone, and missing out on conversations.

3) Depression: Over half of all Alzheimer's patients exhibit unusual bouts of depression and lethargy, one to two years before memory problems are noticed.

4) Visual Perception difficulties: The individual may be unable to recall visual details about objects and their location, and may not be able to follow maps or directions when driving.

5) Unusual fingerprint patterns: Up to 75% of people who develop Alzheimer's have an abnormal number of ulnar loop patterns on their fingertips. These are similar to patterns found on Down's Syndrome patients, suggesting that some people may have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.

If potential "markers" are detected through home screening, a thorough evaluation from a qualified physician is recommended. The earlier Alzheimer's is detected, the more effective intervention and treatment can be, providing the patient a longer, healthier life. "How to Know if Your Loved One May Have Alzheimer's: A Home Testing Guide" is available online at www.alztest.com, or can be ordered by mail for $5 shipping & handling from Homeway Press, PO Box 187, Canmer, KY 42722.

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