Most people unaware of first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

MOST people are unaware of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, new research shows.

More than 80% of those surveyed listed forgetfulness as the main symptom, with earlier symptoms either ignored or attributed to old age. The situation is resulting in the disease being significantly under-diagnosed. Early diagnosis is essential in delaying the progression of the disease.

It is estimated that as many as two thirds of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease remain undiagnosed. The one-third of patients diagnosed with the disease had it for up to five and a half years. As many as 35,000 people in Ireland have dementia, with the highest proportion of these having Alzheimer’s disease.