Early Alzheimer's Affects Memory
Biotech Week reported on May 23, 2009:
Remembering what's most important is central to daily life. For example, if you went to the grocery store but left your shopping list at home, you'd at least want to remember the milk and bread, if not the jam. Or, when packing for a trip, you'd want to remember your wallet and tickets more than your slippers or belt.
Even very early in Alzheimer's disease, people become less efficient at separating important from less important information, a new study has found (see also American Psychological Association).
Knowing this, clinicians may be able to train people in the early stages of Alzheimer's to remember high-value information better, according to a report in the May issue of Neuropsychology, published by the American Psychological Association.
Neuropsychology is the area of neuroscience that studies relationships between bra
in function and behavior, with a central focus on human brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychological research attempts to map the brain structures and functions that are critical for particular mental/cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacities.
As my father approaches 70 and my grandmother 87, early onset of Alzheimers is a reality for me. Making sure they get proper diagnosis and treatment is paramount should signs and symptoms appear. We should all be mindful of those we love as they age.
