We are just a few days away from November coming to an end, but we should always bear in mind the importance of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.

Currently, it affects almost 5.4 million Americans. But, as the Alzheimer’s Association warns, it can begin to affect those nowhere near their golden years. The group reports that approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. 65 years old or younger have early-onset Alzheimer’s. Some are even as young as being in their 40s or 50s.

Because of Alzheimer’s not being connected with someone that young, its symptoms may be get overlooked are attributed to another cause. Those who may be suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s should get a complete medical evaluation, including a neurological scan, from a Alzheimer’s specialist doctor.

We also have to keep in mind those who are Alzheimer’s patients’ caregivers. The burdens and stresses on them can be overwhelming, too. The Alzheimer’s Association advises caregivers to go for a walk or engage in activity they enjoy, along with connecting with other caregivers and taking care of themselves as well. 

While there is no cure, some treatments have been shown to slow its progression. The more research that is conducted, the better our understanding of Alzheimer’s and the better it can be detected early and treated.