November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. In 1983 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November to be Alzheimer’s Awareness month 2 million Americans had the disease. Today, that number has soared to 5.3 million and is expected to grow to 16 million by 2050. Today about 200,000 Georgians, 14,000 CSRA residents have Alzheimer’s disease. Chances are you know someone with the disease or someone that is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. In 1983 President Reagan said, “The emotional, financial and social consequence of Alzheimer’s disease are so devastating that it deserves special attention.” Taking lead of the issue, he went on to advocate research as “the only hope for victims and families.” Reagan courageously announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the public in November 1994 and died from Alzheimer’s in 2003.

Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Every 70 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. Without a cure that number will increase to every 33 seconds by mid century. One in six women and one in 10 men reach age 55 can expect to develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime.Ten million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. We are becoming a nation of women and men raising the next generation while they care for the last generation. So many dementia caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation” with children and grandchildren under the age of 18 living in their homes.

There are no survivors of Alzheimer’s disease. No one can stand up and say, “I survived Alzheimer’s disease.” So we need to be the voice and the agent of change.

Each day I speak to caregivers seeking answers, seeking assistance, and, often times just wanting to talk with someone who understands. I speak to people with Alzheimer’s disease who know there is no cure. Many are willing to participate in clinical trials that may not help them but may help their children and you and me. These are all courageous and very special people.

While serving as a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia can be rewarding, the stress that comes with it is inevitable. Caregiving stresses and stretches the family caregiver. Many caregivers are caring for someone 24/7 and many are providing more than 40 hours a week of care. Working caregivers report having to go into work late, leave early or take time off from their jobs to provide care.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our vision is “A World Without Alzheimer’s.” The local chapter provides assistance which includes information and referral, care consultations, support groups, a lending library, a 24 hour/7 day a week helpline, newsletters, and education programs and conferences. The Augusta office has been serving the CSRA for 27 years. We are here to help. No one needs to walk this journey alone.

While there is much we don’t yet know about Alzheimer’s disease, progress is being made, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. But we must move faster. We need your voice. Phone us and sign up to be an advocate. As Coach Frank Broyles, well known football player, coach, athletic director, champion of the Alzheimer’s Association and author of “Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers” says about Alzheimer’s, “We are at the last two minutes of the ballgame. We need the two minute offense.” Yes, we are at the one yard line…and we must score. But it cannot be done with only one voice. Everyone needs to open their hearts and minds. We must win the battle against Alzheimer’s.

Our future, the future of our children and the future of our healthcare system depend on us! Please call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 for resources and make your voice heard not only in November but all year.

For more information, call, 731-9060, 800-272- 3900, e-mail kathy.tuckey@ alz.org, or visit www. alz.org.