September is Alzheimer’s month and is almost over. All around the world there are meetings, walks, and fundraisers in progress to find a cure. It is a month of awareness, sympathy, love, and caring. But just as important it is also about educating others and providing support to families with relatives who suffer from this disease. If you’re on social media, you’ll see many fundraisers for a cure and educational awareness for Alzheimer’s.
1. Who Will Get This Disease
Take a look at the link in this paragraph describing statistics of the disease. “An estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020. Eighty percent are age 75 or older.” According to the Alzheimer’s site, more than 12 million people are suffering from this disease around the world. Additionally, there are younger people with Alzheimer’s. Early Onset Alzheimer’s is assigned to anyone under the age of 65 with Alzheimer’s. symptoms Here you can verify that more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger-onset.
2. Ways You Can Assist?
The Alzheimer’s Organization states that “The number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.” This is an extremely frightening projection to me. With the criticality of this disease and the projected numbers for the future, it is important to support September as Alzheimer’s Month. Even if you do not know anyone who has Alzheimer’s at this time, everyone should contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to see how you can help, especially when September is Alzheimer’s Month.
So how can we assist? Most people think that involves money, but it’s much more than that. There are so many different ways to help. All you have to do is reach out to a local Alzheimer’s organization. Anyone can participate in events or provide assistance in administrative functions, walking for support, and much more. Try your local Alzheimer’s Group. Simply call or go to their location and ask how you can help.
Even though September is Alzheimer’s Month, you can still participate with any assistance you can offer. We can help with awareness and education. I encourage you to reach out and ask ‘How May I Help? You can participate in events, provide assistance at functions, and advocate for Alzheimer’s! Just get involved in any way you can. Click on this link to find more details.
3. A Story of Alzheimer’s
Early Onset Alzheimer’s (EOA) is determined in anyone who has Alzheimer’s before the age of 65. It is becoming more prominent each year. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago, but I knew something was wrong 4 to 5 years before diagnosis. I just could not put my finger on what was wrong! Alzheimer’s runs in my family, and I was afraid to even think about it for myself when I seemed to forget little things. Sure enough, after many visits to different doctors, I was diagnosed at the age of 62. That journey to diagnosis took 5 years! It shouldn’t take years to find out if someone has this disease so you or a loved one can get medical help as soon as possible. So now, I am an advocate for Alzheimer’s and working with local organizations to bring awareness in any way I can, for as long as I can.
I want to help others with Early Onset Alzheimer’s awareness. Many people with Early Onset have no clue what is happening to them. They may not be medically aware of how subtle the disease appears; or why they can’t remember information, or why they misplace things and get lost in familiar places. Either way, denial is not the way to go. Medical assistance to prolong this condition is at hand, as well as, strategies on how to keep the brain active. Technology tools are available to help us keep on track. Clinical trials are in progress for a cure to this disease in which you can participate.
Through your medical supporters, you can find out about these trials that may help us as they determine if the medicines are effective. It is worldwide. Take a look at the link: Find your local Alzheimer’s Organization. Your help will be much appreciated. You can be proud to say how you helped others afflicted with this disease.
You can find more More facts and figures here. Thank you for reading this and for your assistance.
I, in particular, greatly appreciate your help and support. 🙂
A.A.S., B.S., M.I.S.M
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