In 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association was founded to assist in care, support, and research for Alzheimer’s and those affected by this disease: “The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.” Please visit their website to take glimpse at all the wonderful work they have been doing.
This organization is just one of the many initiatives taken to provide information and research for this disease. It is why the CDC has named September; World Alzheimer’s Month with World Alzheimer’s Day commemorated on September 21.
In observance of this day, I felt it necessary to partake in sharing information about Alzheimer’s, risk factors, symptoms and ways of prevention and support.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease? It is a condition of the brain that gradually decreases one’s ability to remember and utilize other brain functions. Alzheimer’s prevents some of the nerve cells in the brains from operating correctly and eventually die. Some risk factors include family history and genetics, serious head injury or increasing age. Make sure to look out for the 10 possible warning signs:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- Trouble speaking or writing
- Misplacing things
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
This may be repetitive if you have read previous blogs, but the best way to take preventive action is healthy food intake, being socially active, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol use, exercise, and stimulation of the brain.
If you or your loved ones are concerned, please visit your doctor, and discuss together the actions you need to take or ways to test for it. This disease can be very difficult and complex, so please lend a helping hand and compassion to those who are experiencing it or have a relative affected by Alzheimer’s.
