As June draws to a close, I’ve been paying attention to the June Go Purple Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness information from the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s a subject near and dear to me. Having a loved one with this disease, opens your eyes to so much we take for granted while living. Ready to learn more … read on!
Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms. This was something I learned in 1998 with dad that was new to me.
I’d heard of senility. Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Disorders grouped under the general term “dementia” are caused by abnormal brain changes. These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. They also affect behavior, feelings and relationships.
Check out specifics about Alzheimer’s here. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers Here is an outline four main points from their website:
- Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Learn more: What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?, What is Dementia, Research and Progress - Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. But Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also known as early-onset Alzheimer’s).
Learn more: Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s, Risk Factors - Families facing Alzheimer’s need youDonate today so we can continue advancing research and providing free 24/7 support to those who depend on it.Donate NowAlzheimer’s worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.
Learn more: 10 Warning Signs, Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease - Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.
Learn more: Treatments, Treatment Horizon, Prevention, Clinical Trials
For you and anyone in your family facing degenerative brain disease, do make sure to secure support. It is a long road and there is so much to consider when developing how to proceed. The Alzheimer’s Navigator is a tool to help guide caregivers: https://www.alzheimersnavigator.org/?_ga=2.189286507.1923735398.1593272054-254701008.1593272054
Sometimes life feels like we’re on a roller coaster ride. A pit in the stomach and exhilaration. As we’re learning with this pandemic, unexpected enters life suddenly and boom, life changes. If you could ask yourself, “what would it take for me to … (fill in the blank) in advance of needing to, how would you feel?
Yes, now is a great time to consider an aspect of life and business that is typically “put aside”. My work is extensive for people and businesses to explore the various components of what will you do when/if you experience a personal, work or natural disaster? Are you ready, just in case?
There is nothing to fear, but fear itself – FDR is a quote that comes to mind. I invite you to contact me via Email or check out the website @ The Living Planner for additional information. This is a great time for you/yours to review what protection strategies you have in place and identify what’s missing and how best to fill the gaps. Really!
Stay well everyone. –Lynn
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