Alzheimer's Association - People Who Care
As we approach the holiday season, nonprofitshoppingmall.com would like to recognize a segment of our population that is often overlooked - our seniors. We find it fitting to recognize the Alzheimer's Association, its work and its growing need this November in honor of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. We see this as an opportunity to pay tribute to all the courageous men and women living with Alzheimer's disease and to remember those precious lives lost in its course. We also honor the devoted family members and caretakers who bring love, dignity and comfort to those traversing the journey of this tragic disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disorder that seriously impairs a person's ability to function normally. Age is the most important known risk factor and scientists are studying the role that genetics, education, diet and environment might play in the development of this debilitating and, to date, incurable disease.
According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, an estimated 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and this number is expected to grow to 16 million by mid-century. With an aging baby boomer population, often referred to as the silver tsunami, this degenerative brain disease will continue to touch more and more lives. In order to achieve funding goals for research and a wider range of supportive services for those living with Alzheimer's, it is imperative to heighten the public's overall awareness for the disease and its implications within our communities.
Alzheimer's doesn't just impact the individual; it impacts entire families. Today, there are nearly 10 million people providing 8.4 billion hours of unpaid care to someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
Researchers continue to look for new treatments to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These new therapies, when they are developed, will be most effective when taken as early in the course of the disease as possible making it even more urgent for effective early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Early diagnosis improves care and treatment options for individuals by empowering them to participate more fully in their lives. It offers individuals more time to make choices to maximize the quality of life, build the right medical team, and gain earlier access to existing medications, programs and services.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease:
- Memory loss
- Problems with language
- Poor decreased judgment
- Misplacing things
- Changes in personality
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Disorientation to time and place
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Loss of initiative
The need for education, information, and supportive services for those with Alzheimer's disease is paramount. Fortunately, the Alzheimer's Association provides a wealth of resources to assist those who have been touched by the disease, including a 24/7 Helpline, local information for referrals, care consultations, public education events and support groups.
Whatever one's political leanings might be, we cannot forget former President Ronald Reagan for championing this important cause by launching a national campaign against Alzheimer's disease 25 years ago when he proclaimed November as National Alzheimer's Disease Month in 1983. He advocated research as "the only hope for victims and families." The former president courageously announced his Alzheimer diagnosis to the public in 1994 and passed away ten years later.
From its founding in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association has led the fight to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. For those of us who've already been through the fight and have seen our mothers, fathers and other loved ones slip away from the disease we need to stay in the fight now so that our children and grandchildren won't have to.
Please sign our 'Proclamation to the Next President'
