September is World Alzheimer’s Month, it is the international campaign by Alzheimer’s disease International (ADI) to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012. 2 out of every 3 people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries. The impact of World Alzheimer’s Month is growing, but the stigmatization and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem that requires global action. September 2017 marks the 6th global World Alzheimer’s Month, and will utilize the theme of ‘Remember me’ to highlight the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dementia.

Let me break down what Alzheimer’s is to get a better understanding. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and worsens over time. It is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior and it counts for 60-70% of cases of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s greatest known rick factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with the disease are 65 and older. It is not just a disease of old age approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late state Alzheimer’s individuals lost the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop the disease from progressing, but it can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. There is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.

World Alzheimer’s Month is an important part of the research and letting everyone be aware of the disease. Alzheimer ’s disease International (ADI) is the umbrella organization of 90 Alzheimer associations around the globe. They aim to help establish and strengthen associations around the world and to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of Dementia. Please visit this website for more on Alzheimer’s Month https://www.worldalzmonth.org/ and help spread the word!

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia you are not alone. Please call Relevar Home Care today at (586) 493-7677, we can help you!