World Alzheimer's Day and Why People With Alzheimer's Need It
World Alzheimer's Day and Why People With Alzheimer's Need It
On World Alzheimer's Day, Monday, September 21, most people with Alzheimer's disease won't be able to participate in an Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. But they directly benefit from events like these being held around the world.
That's because World Alzheimer's Day events are meant not only to raise funds for research but to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and people with Alzheimer's disease. That makes this World Alzheimer's Day an opportunity for each of us to think about what messages we'd like to give to those who aren't yet affected by this living tragedy called Alzheimer's.
So here are three facts about Alzheimer's that I want the whole world to know:
1. Alzheimer's is not an inevitable effect of aging.
Senility doesn't strike everyone; it's a terrible disease. In a generation, much has been done to change this old public misperception. The fitting theme of World Alzheimer's Day this year is "See it Sooner." Early detection can slow disease progress and improve quality of life.
2. Scientists still aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's disease.
That makes funding research and clinical trial participation an imperative, because we're frankly less close to a cure than many people wish.
3. What people with Alzheimer's need most are caring people and caring resources.
A cure would be nice. But a more realistic, immediate, and achievable goal is to make coping resources available to all people with Alzheimer's and every caregiver, in every community. The love and caring most of us have in spades. The hands-on help for the relentlessness of this condition that kidnaps our loved ones out from under us is what we could all use more of.
What three things do you want the world to know about Alzheimer's on this World Alzheimer's Day?
It is important for patients and families affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s to consider participating in clinical studies. One such study is the ICARA Study (www.icarastudy.com), whose goal is to explore if an investigational drug, called Bapineuzumab, can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Clinical studies that test new treatments are the best chance we have for fighting this disease. Current therapies for Alzheimer’s treat the symptoms associated with it, not the disease itself.
this is a devastating disease, for the patient and their families. you lose your loved one long before they die. my mother had dementia a form of alzheimer's, i lost her 3 months ago to the day. she suffered for a good 7 yrs. I was her only care taker, i finally had to put her in a convelesant home , she needed 24 hr care and i couldn't do it by myself. i visited her everyday, i miss her so bad. so my suggestion is talk, remonise, laugh, love and spend as much time with your loved one before they forget who you are.i held my mom's hand until she died, i was so sorry i couldn't help her, but now she's in heaven and at peace. she's my guardian angel now.
I want the world to know 1. this disease is awful 2. this disease shouldnt be wished on your worst enemy 3. this disease needs a cure.