SAN ANTONIO – More than five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's and some may not even know it. Here's more on why it is so important to pay attention to early warning signs.
Alzheimers is not part of the normal aging process.
"Sometimes if we meet somebody and they tell us their names and we don't remember right after that can be normal, but if we don't remember someone that has been familiar with us for years that gives us a hint," University Health geriatrician & family physician Dr. Andres Pardo-Agila said.
Not only does the disease affect memory loss disrupting a person's daily life, but it can also be fatal.
"It's a chronic condition. A degenerative disease of the brain that happens with time," Pardo-Agila said.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. While the disease is typically found in patients 65 and older, they estimated about 200,000 have younger on-set.
"He told me he said,' I forgot--' We were living in Fort Worth at the time and back in San Antonio visiting, 'But I forgot what town I was in',", Jane Wakely, whose husband was diagnosed, said. "I recall that moment thinking this is not good."
For the ten early signs of Alzheimers click here.
Her husband Mickey was diagnosed at 55-years-old with early onset Alzheimer's.
"Didn't know where it came from, I didn't know what it was. Well I mean I knew what it was, but it wasn't. That couldn't be me," Mickey said remembering the day he was diagnosed.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimers, but Mickey is pushing ahead-even participating in clinical trials for possible new treatments.
"I feel like were close to, on a broad scale, finding something." Jane Wakely said.
In the meantime, the Wakelys continue raising awareness for Alzheimers, encouraging others who may be at risk to seek medical help as early as they can.
For more information, you can visit the Alzheimer's Association by clicking here.