November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time set aside to honor the millions of men and women who live with Alzheimer’s. As five million Americans live with the brain disorder, it’s imperative that time is spent finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, while working toward its treatment and prevention. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month helps to bring awareness to this disorder while offering ongoing support to those who are affected by the disease.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, and unfortunately irreversible, brain disorder that slowly erodes a person’s memory, thinking, and mental processing abilities. Even the most seemingly mundane and simplest of tasks may present a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer’s. For example, the buckling of a shoe, the act of brushing teeth or other activity, may now be a challenge.
Alzheimer’s prevents a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and other activities. For a person who has Alzheimer’s, what was once easy and memorable to perform or execute, is now difficult, confusing and cumbersome. Currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in elderly adults.
Alzheimer’s was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who conducted research and found changes in the brain tissue of a woman who died of an unknown mental illness. Dr. Alzheimer examined her thoroughly, after making note of her symptoms. Before her death, the woman experienced issues with her memory, language and behavior. Upon her death, Dr. Alzheimer examined her and found amyloid plaques or clumps in her brain, accompanied by tangled fibers.
Today, doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals continue to make great strides in understanding the development of Alzheimer’s, while working toward a cure and its prevention.
Ways to Raise Alzheimer’s Awareness
Although the month of November is set aside to honor those living with Alzheimer’s, there are things that can be done throughout the year to raise awareness about the disorder.
- Contact local Alzheimer’s support groups. In just about every state and major city in the United States, there are organizations and groups devoted to not only supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s but helping to raise awareness about the disorder. Through education and community outreach, you can obtain significant information to assist.
- Make a donation of time as well as money. Not only are monies needed to help eradicate Alzheimer’s, but time and energy can be donated to help others. Alzheimer’s family caregivers are always in need of support and assistance when it comes to caring for loved ones. Consider contacting your local Alzheimer’s organization and ask to volunteer to be an extra set of hands, for a family caregiver. Your support will mean more than you will ever know.
- Get involved with your local government. Local municipalities have the power to change how individuals with Alzheimer’s are treated. So, if you see something that needs to be changed, consider speaking at a city council meeting or your state’s senators. You’d be surprised at the power you have to make a change in your community!
Freedom Home Care Highland Park is devoted to providing complete and comprehensive assistance to individuals who are in need of medical care. Our medical staffing continues to grow as one of the most innovative, supportive medical staffing agencies, providing general in-home services, tailored to the specific needs of individuals. Whether you need Freedom medical staffing for a few months or a few years, we vow to provide your loved one with the care and respect that is needed and deserved.
So, for the family member you care for who has Alzheimer’s, let us assist in educating you and helping to care for that loved one in a warm, comforting and supportive environment. There’s no such thing as being alone when it comes to caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Let us help make your November a great one, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Contact your home care agency today to learn more! To learn more about our home care agency and home health agency services today. Contact us today!
