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IKE’S HEALTH NET
Alzheimer’s disease awareness and national family caregivers month
Your local Alzheimer’s Association Augusta office makes Alzheimer’s a priority all year. The Alzheimer’s Association is also helping to relieve the emotional and physical stress that caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s experience. In 1983 President Ronald Reagan helped launch a national campaign against Alzheimer’s disease by signing a proclamation declaring November National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. In 1983 fewer than 2 million Americans had the disease; today, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s has soared to 5.3 million and is expected to grow to over 16 million by 2050 unless something is done to slow or stop this devastating disease. Chances are as you read this you will think of someone you know who has or had Alzheimer’s or a related dementia or it may be you.
Memory loss that disrupts everyday life such as forgetting recently learned information to the point of asking for the same information over and over or relying on memory aides is not a typical part of aging. It may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. By getting diagnosed late in the progression of the disease, opportunities are being missed to make key decisions about treatment, care and future planning. Being diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best help and care possible.
The benefits of early detection for people with dementia and their families are many; people in the early stages of the disease will be better able to report symptoms and concerns and understand their own disease process; have increased opportunities to find community resources, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, that may maximize opportunities for independence; more time to plan for the future; increased ability to choose their own care team; the best opportunity to benefit from available treatments; ability to participate in clinical studies and it gives families the opportunity to learn about Alzheimer’s or related dementias and plan for their future together, which may result in reduced stress and feelings of burden. For caregivers, the Alzheimer’s journey is not one that can be made alone. In order to relieve the emotional and physi- cal stress that caregivers experience they must understand the disease, the impact on the person and the caregiver, know the signs and symptoms of stress and be knowledgeable of helpful referrals and resources in the community. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association’s many programs and services call 706-731-9060 or the toll free, 24 hour 7 day a week helpline at 800-272-3900. You can also visit the website at www.alz.org/georgia. Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 WARNING SIGNS 1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality December Health Observances Holiday Safety Month Safe Toys & Gifts Month National Handwashing Awareness Week: Dec. 6-12 DDEAMC Holiday Closure Dec. 24, Training Holiday Dec. 25, Holiday Dec. 31, Training Holiday Upcoming Events Dec. 9, DDEAMC Tree Lighting Ceremony 2:00 p.m. Comments, questions or article suggestions? E-mail us at: ikeshealthnet@amedd.army.mil |
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