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Wendy Beatty, community education coordinator at Archbold spoke to the Bainbridge Rotary Club this week about the strong passion she has for helping people with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia.

She credits the time she spent giving care to her grandmother for her interest in geriatric mental health.

As she moved through the 10 leading warning signs for Alzheimer’s, she gave examples for each one experienced by her grandmother and others she has cared for.

She recommended learning the 10 signs and explained that some of us may  experience some of the signs, but certainly not to the extent of one diagnosed with the disease.

She recommended that if any were concerned about recognizing the signs in themselves or those they love to seek medical advice, as there are tests that can be used to determine if it is indeed Alzheimer’s or another problem that needs attention.

Eighty-two percent of seniors say it is important to have memory tests.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in seniors.

The ten signs are:

1) Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

2) Challenges in planning or solving problems

3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks

4) Confusion with time or place

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

Ms. Beatty said it is so important to know the signs, as early detection matters. Caught early it can make it possible for a person to make their own decisions and plans for the future.

She emphasized that while there is no known cure, there are medications that may slow the process down a little.

Those wishing to know more can contact the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 800-272-3900.

The local chapter of Walk for a Cure for Alzheimer’s is planning a walk from the square and looking for persons willing to join the third Bainbridge Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 26. Contact any member of the local committee, find Our Walk on Alz.org. or call 800-272-3900.