They’re raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.
Although many people don’t think
that Alzheimer’s disease is a big deal, there is a reason that celebrities like
Bradley and Seth feel that it is worth talking about. Along with a host of other celebrities and
over 4 million people just like you, these guys are working to raise awareness
of this disease, which affects 5.4 millions of people in the United States each
year, and the dire need for our nation to make Alzheimer’s research a national
priority.
So why does Alzheimer’s disease deserve national attention?
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging! It is a serious condition that affects one’s
memory, cognitive functioning, and ability to carry out activities of daily
living.
Also, Alzheimer’s
disease is fatal. As the 6th leading cause of death
in the United States and the 5th leading cause of death for those
over the age of 65, Alzheimer’s disease ranks among killers such as heart
disease, strokes, and cancer. In fact,
whereas mortality rates among other top causes of death, Alzheimer’s disease is
the only killer whose mortality rate has increased in recent years – and a
frightening amount at that!
Finally, Alzheimer’s disease
affects more than those who are diagnosed with it. Each year, millions of caretakers experience
psychological and physical stress and burnout while caring for their loved ones
with Alzheimer’s. Imagine the hurt you
would feel caring for somebody who doesn’t recognize you or seeing them fail at
simple tasks, such as dressing, cooking, or even speaking.
So what can you do
about Alzheimer’s?
Sign the National Alzheimer’s Project’s “From Act to Action”
petition. This can be done online at http://www.alz.org/petition/overview.asp?type=homepage_petition,
or look for Andrea outside the Commons at dinner on Thursday, March 1 and at
lunch on Friday, March 2. The petition
urges our President to take action on behalf of the National Alzheimer’s
Project Act, which passed unanimously in congress over a year ago.
Know someone who cares for a loved one with
Alzheimer’s? Tell them about local
support groups, such as the one hosted by Prairie Place here in Ripon. The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday
of each month from 9:00am-10:00am in the Jorgenson Room at the Ripon Public
Library. For more information, contact
Kay Caramanidis (920-748-8903) or Andrea Slosser (slossera@ripon.edu).
For more information and resources, visit the National
Alzheimer’s Association’s website: www.alz.org
or call their 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.
They provide a wealth of information about Alzheimer’s, living with the
disease, caring for those with Alzheimer’s, and steps that the public can take
to promote research for Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.
All of the images in this blog entry were used from the
National Alzheimer’s Association website, listed above, as well as much of the
information included here. Blog post prepared by OCE Elder Empowerment Intern Andrea Slosser. www.alz.org
