November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Hey everybody, it is time to mark your calendar, because November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Across the country, there are families who must face the tragic consequences of this disease as it strips loved ones of their most cherished memories. Millions have been diagnosed with this debilitating illness, and then there are the untold millions who are left trying to cope with emotional and financial toll that it takes to be a caregiver.

More People Face the Threat of Alzheimer’s

Nowadays, there are more people who are living to reach those golden years. Until a comprehensive cure is discovered, Alzheimer’s disease will continue to pose a growing threat to our well-being. During the month of November, new programs will be set up for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in an effort to get more people to support clinical research for a cure. This year, you can show your support by standing with those who have experienced the pain that can be caused by this devastating disease. This will show these families that America is intent on pressing forward in order to develop promising new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Common Form of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be the most common type of dementia, meaning a condition that causes problems with memory and other intellectual abilities that can interfere with a person’s everyday routine and activities. Just to be clear, dementia is not considered to be a normal part of the aging process; it is just that older people are at significantly higher risk for it. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of illness, which means that it will get worse over time following a diagnosis.

A Progressive Disease

In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, any memory loss that is experienced will be rather mild. However, as the years progress, so does the disease and soon that person may struggle with or be unable to carry on straightforward conversations. On average, a person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can expect to live for another eight years after the symptoms first become noticeable. This will vary depending on the individual in question, as some may live for four years and others have lived for another twenty.

Unfortunately, there are no treatments currently available which are capable of halting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are medications which can help to temporarily slow the advance of Alzheimer’s disease. These will not only deter some of the worst symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but also give patients and their families a more improved quality of life for as long as possible.

Current Research on Alzheimer’s

One of the biggest organizations for this disease, the Alzheimer’s Association, is looking to make a real breakthrough by conducting new Alzheimer’s clinical studies with an ambitious goal. Their medical researchers are currently focused on learning more about how overall lifestyle and the environment can affect the development of Alzheimer’s. The results of this research could have a major impact on the medical community, given what we already know about this disease. Since certain risk factors like genetics and age cannot be adjusted, there could be a real opportunity to lower one’s overall risk by changing lifestyle habits.

As there are nearly five and half million people living with Alzheimer’s disease, there has never been a time to support ongoing research efforts to discover more about this disease. Through advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, health care providers will be able to ensure a better quality of life for these patients and their families. For more information you can also visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.