Originally, designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and educate the public of the effects and potential treatments of the disease. When Reagan initially appointed the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, fewer than 2 million Americans were affected by Alzheimer’s. Today that population has sky rocked to more than 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in 60-80% of dementia cases.

The sixth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gets worse over time and IS NOT a normal part of aging. In the beginning there may be small signs, such as getting lost in a familiar place, repeating the same questions, displaying poor judgement, mood and personality changes or misplacing items in unusual places. As the disease worsens, increased confusion and drastic changes in behavior become exceedingly detectable. Mainly effecting those 65 or older, it can sometimes be hard to differentiate age-related memory loss and signs of dementia. Early diagnosis of the disease can drastically improve a person’s quality of life and offer treatments to slow the process. It is probably a good idea to have your loved one tested for dementia if they start to exhibit drastic change in personality or mood, having difficulty dealing with numbers or logical thinking, performing unfamiliar actives, memory loss, trouble understanding the passage of time (change of season/ months/ days), difficulty holding a conversation, or changes in vision or perception.

A Proclamation on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month 2022 by President Joseph Biden states – “During the National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we honor and support the millions of brave Americans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, along with the selfless family member and caregivers who stand by their sides throughout the long course of this heartbreaking disease.

 

Alzheimer’s is common and especially cruel, robbing people of their memories, thoughts and identity over many years. Across the Nation, this epidemic is growing… READ MORE HERE”

By 2050 an estimated 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s. Although medicine has come a far way with treatments to slow the process and improve the quality of life for those effected and their caregivers, but there is still no cure. In honor of all the individuals fighting the battle of Alzheimer’s and their family and friends, who are fighting right alongside with them, we pay tribute to their efforts. There are a number of ways to show your support and raise awareness to fight Alzheimer’s. On November 3^rd over 800 structures around the world joined the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) as they “Went Teal” for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month raising awareness and showing support for the millions living with the disease. Local structures, such as the Orlando Public Art Display and The Wheel at ICON Park, joined the movement to “Go Teal” as well. Continued support can be shown through sharing information on social media and taking the time out to educate yourself about the effect of this cruel disease.

Here are 10 Steps for Healthy Aging:

1. Eat Well
2. Stay Active
3. Learn New things
4. Get enough sleep
5. Keep track of your medications
6. Stop smoking and limit alcohol
7. Stay connected to family, friends and the community
8. Know your blood pressure
9. See your doctor regularly
10. Get a memory screening.

Remember early detection is very important!

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

National Institute on Aging