Detecting The Signs Of Alzheimer's Early

Alzheimer's disease affects 5.3 million people in America and is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

In our new series, "Recognizing Alzheimer's," Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton discussed the top three of the Alzheimer's Association's top ten warning signs of the degenerative disease.

"It's unbelievable," Ashton told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "This (disease) is going to affect more and more of the population as we age, and it is important to recognize the warning signs because the earlier they are identified the sooner you can intervene, plan your life and take certain steps to hopefully impact on the treatment."

One of the first warning signs is changes in memory that Ashton says is not just forgetting things now and then, but more noticeable changes.

"The hallmark is short-term memory changes," Ashton said, "things that you should be remembering that you're not, if you have to ask the same question over and over again."

Another sign is having difficulty in planning and solving problems.

Ashton said one of trademark indicators is the inability to balance one's checkbook.

"Every once in a while, it's okay to make a mistake," Ashton said, "but to go to using your fingers or again, you just cannot complete the task -- warning sign number two."

Ashton added that if you see your loved one having difficulty with everyday tasks, you should suggest a formal physical and mental evaluation.

"Don't delay because again, putting our heads in the sand does not help," Ashton said, "and if anything, it can really hurt."

Ashton said statistics show good physicians can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's 90 percent of the time with an exam.

"It really is a head-to-toe exam, because you want to make sure that there are other medical conditions that could give the same memory problems are not at play here." Ashton said.

Smith asked Ashton if new techniques have been developed for detecting the disease.

Ashton said new screening techniques are available, including advanced imaging options like functional MRIs and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)scans.