In November, Alzheimer’s Awareness month is observed. Just like World Alzheimer’s Day, this month stresses the importance of understanding this severe form of dementia, in order to hopefully prevent or find a cure for this disease. Legacy Health Services participated in the 2018 Walk To End Alzheimer’s on October 13 and we raised over $1,000. Though the day of the walk may have passed, the battle against this disease does not, making November a significant part in ending Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia which involves memory loss and changes in behavior and thinking. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning it starts slowly at first before increasing in severity and beginning to disrupt everyday activities. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include difficulty remembering new information, mood changes, disorientation, and suspicion towards close friends and family. If any signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s are detected, see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can improve treatment and the quality of life for the patient. While many people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with this disease, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. There is currently no cure or prevention, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in America. Just last year, 16 million caregivers for this disease supplied around 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care which saved the nation over $232 billion. However, it is estimated that by the end of 2018, Alzheimer’s disease will cost the United States over $277 billion. Due to the severity of the cost to support care for Alzheimer’s patients, many organizations, charities, and events have been set up in support of finding and funding a cure, making donations to any charity for this disease a very effective impact on the nation’s economy.
Donations
You can give life-changing donations at these sites:
- Bright Focus Foundation, Alzheimer’s Disease Research:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Association of America
Or, if you have a charity in mind, or would like to check the credibility of one, use charitynavigator.org. It will help you find out how efficiently the organization uses its money and you can donate immediately on the site. By your contribution, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Sources:
Alzheimer’s Association. (2018). What is Alzheimer’s? Retrieved fromhttps://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2018). About Alzheimer’s. Retrieved from http://act.alz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2018). Team Page of Legacy Health Services. Retrieved from http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2018/OH-ClevelandArea?team_id=477779&pg=team&fr_id=11429.