ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AWARENESS
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
“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 is the most common form of dementia. It is extremely debilitating and difficult for all involved, patients and caretakers.
Alzheimer’s typically sets in later in life, although signs may appear much earlier. It is also a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Early stages of Alzheimer’s may be a loss of certain memories or losing train of thought then forgetting loved ones’ names then not being able to hold a conversation anymore.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments have came about that slow its progression.
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ADVOCACY
Alzheimer's is an awful disease that hurts not only the person possessing the disease, but also their caregivers and loved ones. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death. By raising awareness, we garner much needed attention and action. The earlier Alzheimer's is diagnosed, the earlier a patient can get treatment. Although Alzheimer's is not curable yet, treatment helps ease a very difficult road of progressive deterioration. Treatment should be accessible for anyone with Alzheimer's. Medical expense are costly, which makes it difficult for caregivers who need to give their loved ones 24/7 attention.
Donate to organizations that help families pay for these costs. No family should have to worry about getting proper care.
Call your representatives and demand more accessible healthcare for those with Alzheimer's.
SYMPTOMS
There are different stages of Alzheimer's mild, moderate, and late. Each is more severe than the previous.
MILD
-forgetting recent memories
-appointments, names
-forgetting time or place
-difficulty carrying a conversation
-misplacing things more frequently
-mood swings
MODERATE
-forgetting names of family members and close friends
-forgetting places where major events happened
-marriage
-rambling speech
-difficulty completing tasks
-cannot perform acts they once excelled at
-difficulty in completing tasks with numbers
-not dressing right for the weather
-irritability
-trouble sleeping
-wandering
-delusions/paranoia
-believing loved ones will hurt them
SEVERE
-no communication expression
-extreme confusion
-bladder issues
-new physical illnesses
-extreme mood swings
-cannot move on their own
Caregivers
It is difficult to see those you love in pain, and a disease like Alzheimer's can take an extreme toll on caregivers. Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's are as involved with the disease as those who have the disease. Many caregivers develop depression or thoughts of suicide. The late stage of Alzheimer's is the most difficult to care for physically and emotionally. Alzheimer's Association provides support groups for caregivers across the United States.
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See: https://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp
Costs for treatment and care can be extremely draining. The organizations help families with medical and treatment costs. Do not hesitate to donate or ask for help.
Payment Help
The Alzheimer's Association and Paying for Senior Care provide guidelines for receiving help from insurance, employee benefits, retirement benefits, etc. specifically for Alzheimer's.
https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-costs-paying-for-care.asp
https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/alzheimers/financial-assistance.html
Go to Dementia Care Central to see if you are eligible for financial assistance.
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Donate
Hilarity for Charity is a "nonprofit movement" created by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogan that not only assists families in paying for costly Alzheimer's bills, but are "dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change, and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care, research, and support through the engagement of millennials."
https://hilarityforcharity.org/
The Alzheimer's Association and Dementia Care Central also accept donations to assist in Alzheimer's research and providing care for families.
Alzheimer's is devastating, and it is difficult to understand the pain it causes unless it is witnessed firsthand. 60 minutes recently followed a couple dealing with Alzheimer's over the course of 10 years.