The Alzheimer’s Association has declared September “World Alzheimer’s Month,” a time to place focus on Alzheimer’s and the need for public education, awareness and action to combat the “Alzheimer’s Epidemic” that threatens the world as populations age. As part of this initiative, September 21 is “Alzheimer’s Action Day.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 5.4 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s, and every 69 seconds someone in the U.S. now develops Alzheimer’s. And, 15 million Americans are now caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the only one among the top 10 causes of death that cannot yet be prevented, cured or even slowed.
This year, the theme of World Alzheimer’s Month and Alzheimer’s Action Day is “The End of Alzheimer’s Starts with Me. And You.”
As part of Alzheimer’s Action Day on September 21, people are encouraged to wear purple as a symbol to focus attention on the campaign, to share stories of everyday heroes caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, and to donate to Alzheimer’s research, among other actions.
During World Alzheimer’s Month this September, people are encouraged to educate themselves about Alzheimer’s, and to join the nationwide fundraising “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” that is being sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association in different locations throughout the U.S. during the month.
More information about the nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s is found on the Alzheimer’s Association website. This includes an interactive map of the U.S. showing walks taking place in each of the states.
Additional information about Alzheimer’s Disease is provided on the Alzheimer’s Association website, including:
- What is Alzheimer’s;
- Know the 10 Warning Signs;
- Younger-Onset Issues;
- Inside the Brain: An Interactive Brain Tour;
- Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s;
- Caring for Alzheimer’s;
- Alzheimer’s Behaviors;
- Free online E-learning Courses on Alzheimer’s; and
- Information about the Alzheimer’s Association and services it provides;
In addition, a video message from President Obama, posted by the Alzheimer’s Association, invites your input into the National Alzheimer’s Plan being formulated to address the challenge which the Alzheimer’s epidemic poses for our nation:
As to the activities taking place as part of Alzheimer’s Action Day, and what you can do to join in, see this video produced by the Alzheimer’s Association »
More Information
For more information on World Alzheimer’s Month and Alzheimer’s Action Day, as well as further information and resources relating to Alzheimer’s Disease and caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, see the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.
As to simple lifestyle changes you can make that have been shown by scientific studies to help prevent or reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s, see the HelpingYouCare™ reports on:
Diabetes Doubles The Risk of Getting Dementia, Study Finds
Overall Health May Predict Dementia Risk Better Than Previously Identified Risk Factors
Obesity and Even Overweight in Mid-Life Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia
Social Isolation/ “Constricted Life Space” Linked to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s for Seniors
Weight Loss and Walking Exercise Improve Memory, Studies Find
See also the HelpingYouCare™ resource pages on Alzheimer’s/ Dementia, including:
- Latest News on Alzheimer’s Disease;
- What is it; Causes;
- Symptoms & Diagnosis;
- Prevention;
- Treatment (there currently is no cure); and
- Caregiving
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Copyright © 2011 Care-Help LLC, publisher of HelpingYouCare™.
As we look at the treatment options for Alzheimer’s Disease let us keep an open mind as to all options available. There is not a known cure for Alzheimer’s as yet. We hope to see this sometime, hopefully not far down the road. In the meantime the use of pharmaceutical medications have at least helped Alzheimer’s patients to have some success. There are also natural supplements which-with the use of the pharmaceuticals-may take things a step further. Many people who have participated in medical research have seen significant changes. In as little as 24 months people have been able to go back to some form of occupations. So many of us are not aware of this because unless someone pays to have this heard it is kept under a rock. God Bless those who take that extra step to look a little deeper. Most of us are too devastated to do so and need help from those who keep an open mind. My book, The Dynamite Story of Alzheimer’s Recoveries reflects hope for Alzheimer’s
disease patients and caregivers. Unfortunately the press does not care to cover this information.
Allen K. Golden, Seek Health Ltd, 2008 West Broadway, Ste 152, Council Bluffs, IA
51501 http://bit.ly/pcveaR