Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

 

Every 65 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. It is estimated that around 44 million people around the world are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to reach 132 million by 2050.

Dementia is a brain condition that affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and the risk of developing this disease increases with age. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Most people living with Alzheimer’s are older than 65; however, people younger than 65 can develop the disease as well.

Alzheimer’s is not always recognized right away. The early signs of dementia include problems speaking, finding the right words during conversation, behavioral changes, and difficulty with daily tasks. However, even after these symptoms are recognized by a healthcare professional, only 45% of patients are told by their doctors of their diagnosis. The failure to disclose the diagnosis to patients and their caregivers can prevent seniors from receiving the early treatment they need. Because Alzheimer’s worsens over time, a person with Alzheimer’s disease usually lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years.

While many people are aware that Alzheimer’s disease causes debilitating memory loss, it is less well known that Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death among the U.S. population. Today, there is a worldwide effort underway to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed in June as an opportunity to spread the word about and discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people around the globe to support the movement by wearing purple and training their brains to fight the disease. President Ronald Regan initiated the observance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in 1983 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and get people involved in the recognition of the disease as well as the types of care required by someone suffering from it.

Ways to observe Alzheimer’s Awareness and Brain Month include donating time or money to an Alzheimer’s organization, taking part in seminars, wearing purple, and joining in the social media campaign. Alzheimer’s Awareness and Brain Month is important because it spreads the word about Alzheimer’s and dementia, it propels research, and it promotes talking to elders and reminding them of the special place they have in communities.

At Elder Law of Omaha our passion for seniors and their care is top priority. If you have questions about adult guardianship, estate planning or how to plan for long term care and the future, then please give us a call to set up your complimentary 30-minute consultation at 402-614-6400.