ASHEVILLE — It is a disease so common that 15 million people are expected to have it by the year 2030. It is so complex that its diagnosis can only be confirmed by an autopsy. It is Alzheimer’s disease.

People confronting recent memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks and changes in mood or behavior could be approaching the Alzheimer’s trail. And the journey won’t be easy.

“North Carolina is expected to have a 62 percent increase in Alzheimer’s disease by 2025,” said Mark Cornett, Mountain Area program manager of the Alzheimer’s Association. “That is higher than the 45 percent increase that is estimated for the rest of the country.”

Because Asheville is a popular retirement destination, Buncombe County is expected to have the largest increase in Alzheimer’s cases, Cornett said.

That is why the local Alzheimer’s Association is planning to start a new kind of support group in June. The group and education program is aimed at people experiencing the early stages of the disease.

The idea for the new group was developed by Cornett and Chuck Hollinshead, a former director of public affairs for NASA.

For six consecutive weeks, patients and caregivers will attend a presentation by a speaker who will address different issues affecting AD patients. Then the participants will divide into two groups, patients and caregivers, to talk about their impressions and concerns with the help of a facilitator.

The diagnosis

One year ago, Hollinshead, 75, had a Positron Emission Tomography scan to help determine whether the fatigue and difficulty processing information he was experiencing had something to do with his brain. After examining the results, his doctor said Hollinshead’s symptoms were consistent with Alzheimer’s. Two other physicians agreed.

“I had a lot of questions,” Hollinshead said. “I didn’t know anyone else who had early-stage Alzheimer’s.”

He then volunteered to participate in a Duke University five-year research project on patients with early stages of the disease. After another series of tests, Hollinshead learned that he has Mild Cognitive Impairment, which may or may not develop into Alzheimer’s.

An early diagnosis could make a huge difference when dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia that don’t have a cure.

“The goal of the medications that are out there is stability,” said Dr. Virginia Templeton. “The earlier you take them, the higher level of function you will be able to maintain.”

Other advantages of an early diagnosis is ability to prepare for the future. People should take this time to discuss legal, financial and personal issues that may come up such as writing a will, putting money aside for emergencies and deciding when to quit driving.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s

MemoryCare is a local nonprofit established to meet the rapidly growing need for appropriate assessment, treatment and support for memory-impaired individuals and their families in Western North Carolina.

The organization uses an interdisciplinary approach that treats the patient and the family.

In the first visit, a physician sees the patient, and the family is included in the evaluation process. That gives the doctor the opportunity to get firsthand information from someone who knows the patient well and can talk about the changes the person is going through.

“A lot of people who have dementia are not aware of what is happening,” said Templeton, who is MemoryCare’s associate director. “It’s not denial. They really don’t know.”

After the interview, the patient and family meet with a care manager, who gives them information on treatments, resources and services available. The process could last up to four hours.

Patients in the early stages of dementia are more vulnerable because they don’t know when to ask for help. And family members may have a hard time stepping into a love one’s independence and autonomy.

“For family members it is a long grief,” Templeton said.

Getting ready

Joe Connolly, director for the Area Agency on Aging at the Land of Sky Regional Council, is part of a local task force that is working to support a comprehensive planning effort to provide services to the aging community.

Things that will make Buncombe County a livable and senior-friendly community are appropriate transportation, housing and sidewalks. Connelly said that 20 percent of the Buncombe County population is now older than 60. By 2030, it is expected to be 28 percent.

“The increasing population of older adults is a wave that will have a dramatic impact in all aspects of society,” Connolly said.

But people can work actively from an early age to prevent or at least delay the symptoms of dementia. Studies show that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, remaining socially and physically active and having a healthy diet help keep healthy brain cells.

Hollinshead has taken advantage of all WNC has to offer to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He goes hiking regularly with wife, Linda, and dog Yoda, he takes classes at UNC Asheville’s Center for Creative Retirement and he includes locally grown produce in his diet.

“Nothing has changed a lot,” Hollinshead said. “But now I see a lot of hope and possibilities.”