Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is the umbrella organization of over 100 Alzheimer associations around the globe. Their aim is to help establish and strengthen associations around the world and to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia. ADI works locally, by empowering national Alzheimer associations to promote and offer support to people with dementia and their care partners, and globally to focus attention on the epidemic and campaign for policy change from governments and the World Health Organization (WHO), with whom ADI has had consultative status since 2012. Visit their website at https://www.alz.co.uk/ for a wealth of information and materials.
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S MONTH TIMELINE
World Alzheimer’s Day was first observed
Alzheimer Disease International, founded in 1984, announced the first World Alzheimer’s Day, to be observed on September 21.1901
Alzheimer identified the first case
German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer identified the first case of what would later become known as Alzheimer’s disease. The patient was a 50-year-old German woman. (1600)
Shakespeare wrote about it
In the late 1500s and early 1600s, William Shakespeare mentioned the loss of mental acuity in old age in some of his great plays, including “Hamlet” and “King Lear.” (7th Century BC)
Pythagoras spoke of “a human lifespan”
Greek philosopher Pythagoras described the later years of human life as the “senium,” or a period of mental and physical decline.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
- It’s a killer. About one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia — more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
- Deaths are increasing. Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by more than 145 percent.
- Alzheimer’s will affect more and more Americans. If current projections are accurate, by the year 2050, the number of Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will reach nearly 14 million.
- Women are most likely to be affected. Statistics show that about two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women.
- Hispanics are more susceptible. Statistics also show that Hispanics are about one-and-a-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease (or other dementias) as older, white, non-Hispanics.
WHY WORLD ALZHEIMER’S MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- Education is our best weapon. The only way to stay ahead of Alzheimer’s is to arm ourselves with knowledge. That way we can take better care of ourselves and our loved ones in the hopes of preventing this disease.
- It affects millions. It’s one of the most costly diseases.
- There is always hope. Although there is no known cure, there is always hope for a breakthrough. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed. World Alzheimer’s Month is one big way to keep the conversation going.
This disease gave me one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. It taught me how meaningless “labels” really are. Who we are is SO much more than a name, a position or title at home or work, or anything we use as an identifier in life. I stopped wearing a watch in 1998 when dad no longer understood what time meant.
The good news is that I still run early for meetings. The better news is that I gained a deep appreciation for mindfulness. The best news is that I do understand first hand how important my “urging” was. It resulted in my parents updating their legal documents before his diagnosis. Without their action, life would have been more complicated during an already emotional period.
I understand how scary this can be. More importantly, I hope you realize how important the multitude of variables in the “administrative side of life” are. The details can drive you crazy, believe me! Decisions are so much better when they’re made before they are needed.
I’m here anytime you’re ready to review what protection strategies you have in place and identify what’s missing and how best to fill the gaps. If you or someone you know would benefit from working with me individually, for their employees or companies, contact me via Email or check out the website @ The Living Planner for additional information.
Stay safe and be ready for anything at anytime! –Lynn
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