Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 11, 1 November 2021 — Could it be Alzheimer's? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Could it be Alzheimer's?

By Dr. Kealohaku'ualohaku'upoki'i Balaz

Alzheimer s disease is a puhlie health crisis. There are over 29,000 people currently living with the disease in Hawai'i, but this number is expected to rise to 35,000 by 2025. One in three kūpuna die with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. It is a degenerative brain disease caused by complex changes in the brain and these changes lead to svmDtoms that eraduallv worsen over time.

Dr. Keolohoku'uolohoku'upoki'i Boloz - Photo: Courtesy 1<

One of the most eommon early signs is memory impairment or the ability to learn new information. As the disease advances behavior changes, confusion, and disorientation may beeome apparent. Age is the greatest risk factor. Other risk factors include lifestyle, genetics, and heart-head eonnections whieh include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high eho-

Alzheimers disease among Native Hawaiians is extremely understudied but all of the aforementioned chronic diseases are prominent in the Native Hawaiian population. These risk factors are modifiable and could lead to a decrease in dementia in the Native Hawaiian population. Early detection matters to have the best outcomes, qualify of life, and maintain independence longer. This is not just for those living with the disease but also for the 51,000 caregivers who are providing an estimated $8l million in unpaid care across the state. Early detection ean also mean the prevention or delay of deterioration. Alzheimer's caregivers suffer higher rates of stress as they navigate through the emotional, physical, and finieal challenges while providing personal care. November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month and the Alzheimer's Association-Hawai'i is here to help. We offer education programs, support groups, and an array of other services to support both individuals living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, including a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. If you notice any of the 10 warning signs listed helow in yourself or someone you know, please don't ignore them. Have a conversation with your doctor or nurse practitioner today.

10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difīiculty completing familiar tasks 4. Confusion with time or plaee 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality Visit alz.org/lOsigns for more information about the 10 Warning Signs, or eall 808.591.2771. ■ Dr. Kealohakuualohaku'upoki'i Balaz is the medical director at Lunalilo Home and chair ofthe Alzheimer's Association Hawai'i Leadership Board.